Steering academic excellence through visionary leadership – Vidya welcomes Dr Shalij P R  as Director – Academics

Visionary leaders guiding Vidya

The journey of  Vidya has been illuminated by the wisdom of exceptional leaders whose commitment to educational excellence has fostered a culture of high standards and lasting impact. Their vision drives the institution’s mission of shaping ethical, globally competent professionals, and their influence continues to inspire generations of students to become responsible and globally engaged leaders.

Ushering in a New Chapter – Dr. Shalij P. R. as Director – Academics

Dr Shalij P R assumed the position of Director- Academics  on 16 June 2025  with a distinguished background in academia and extensive experience in academic leadership and  a strong commitment to educational excellence, curriculum innovation and student-centric learning.

Dr Shalij P R  : A wealth of experience and a legacy of academic and administrative excellence

After a renowned career in government service, Dr Shalij P  R retired as the Director of Technical Education, Kerala, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s higher technical education landscape.Dr Shalij’s leadership journey spans several prominent roles, including Principal of Government Engineering College, Thrissur and Dean – Research at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU). In these capacities, he championed transformative initiatives in curriculum enhancement, policy formulation, and faculty development. His efforts significantly contributed to elevating the academic standards and research ecosystem within engineering institutions across Kerala.

Before taking on senior administrative roles, Prof. Shalij P. R. built a strong academic foundation as a Professor in the Dept of Production Engineering at Government Engineering College, Thrissur. Known for his scholarly depth and commitment to student success, his approachable demeanor, mentorship, and academic integrity have consistently earned him the respect of his colleagues and the deep appreciation of his students

Shaping academic and professional growth with knowledge and experience

Dr. Shalij P. R. brings with him a rich academic and professional foundation. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from Government Engineering College, Thrissur in 1990, followed by a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum in 1994. He later completed his Ph.D.in Supply Chain Quality Management at PSG College of Technologyin 2009. Alongside his academic achievements, Dr. Shalij spent 10 years in the industry, working across three companies, which provided him with invaluable practical experience. This integration of real-world industrial exposure with academic rigor has defined his 22-year career in teaching and research, allowing him to bridge theory and practice with exceptional clarity and effectiveness.

Fostering excellence through Research, Publication, Mentorship  and Authorship

A highly respected academic, Dr. Shalij P. R. has made significant contributions to the field through extensive research and mentorship. He has published over 50 research papers in esteemed national and international journals, and has presented his work at numerous prestigious conferences. His passion for fostering scholarly growth is evident in his guidance of seven Ph.D. scholars to successful completion, with six more currently under his supervision. His research interests encompass pivotal areas such as Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Agile Manufacturing and Sustainable Engineering.

Further demonstrating his thought leadership, he is the author of the acclaimed book ‘Lean and Agile Manufacturing: Theoretical, Practical and Research Futurities published by Prentice Hall of India (PHI) Private Limited, which highlights his expertise in contemporary manufacturing practices.

The Editorial Team of News & Events, joins  the Management, Principal, and the entire Vidya fraternity, in extending  heartiest  congratulations and a warm welcome to Dr. Shalij on his well-merited appointment as Director – Academics and wishes him all the best in shaping younger generations through visionary and ethical leadership and in charting new academic directions !!!