Dr. Azeez K is the Principal at PSMO Tirurangadi. A highly educated individual, he holds a B.Sc., B.Ed., PhD, M.Sc. and an M.Phil degree. He has 15 years of research experience and 21 years of academic experience as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Botany, at KAHM Unity Women’s College and PRINCIPAL at Pocker Sahib Memorial Orphanage College. Other roles he has taken up are coordinator and resource person of different workshops and conferences, and chief editor of Wizmag Science Plus magazine among others. Dr. Azeez has published three books and nine papers at different conferences and workshops. Moreover, he has attended 18 different courses, conferences, FDPs and more.

Dr Azeez K

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

I consider myself fortunate to have begun my higher education career as the Head of the Department at a reputed college, where I had ample opportunities to implement my ideas and vision in developing both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. I also had the opportunity to serve as the college council secretary, UGC Project Cell Coordinator, Staff Advisor to the college union, and PTA Secretary, among other roles. Over my 21 years in these positions, I gained valuable experience that allowed me to grow as an educator. This experience instilled in me the confidence to successfully lead a large college as principal. I have been serving as the principal of PSMO College Tirurangadi for the past eight years, effectively managing my responsibilities. The leadership skills I have developed throughout my career have been crucial to my success as an academic leader. My willingness to work, coupled with these leadership qualities, has enabled me to serve as the General Secretary of the Kerala Principal’s Council, the consortium of Principals from Aided Colleges in Kerala.        

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership philosophy is based on treating all colleagues fairly, providing equal opportunities, and consistently motivating staff to give their best for the students and the college. My approachable nature and willingness to listen have created an environment where staff feels confident expressing their ideas and visions. As a result, they have the freedom to share their thoughts openly, and we work together to implement these positive ideas on campus for the benefit of the student community.

Check Pocker Sahib Memorial Orphanage College - [PSMO], Tirurangadi Courses & Fees 2024-2025 

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

PSMO College is one of the oldest colleges under the University of Calicut offering quality higher education to students irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Ever since its establishment, the institution has been a haven for students from economically and socially backward sections of society. The college always renders financial assistance to deserving students. The college also offers various cash awards and scholarships to students, sponsored by stakeholders like the Alumni and PTA. I am proud to state that during the last NAAC assessment period (2016-2022), a total of INR 27,00,000 was awarded to students as alumni scholarships.
Additionally, the effective operation of the Equal Opportunity Cell ensures that all SC/ST students can access their scholarships and other financial schemes.

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for students?

As Principal, my primary focus has been on enhancing facilities for students, including improving infrastructure, providing financial support to the underprivileged, and organizing a wide range of academic and non-academic programs aimed at their overall development. Infrastructure improvements include the construction and renovation of clean, hygienic washrooms, the creation of common rooms for boys and girls, the development of sports facilities, and the establishment of a fitness centre. Academically, my goal is to transform this college into a fully postgraduate institution, with all departments recognized as approved Research Centres under the University of Calicut. Currently, five out of the nine departments have achieved this status. This academic year, we plan to apply for research centre recognition for the Department of Physics, followed by the Department of Mathematics. Additionally, we will be launching a Multidisciplinary Seminar this year to further enhance the research skills of both teachers and students.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your college?

The success of an academic leader largely depends on their relationship with staff and students. In this regard, I have maintained a strong rapport with both the Management and the students and staff. Being open to listening is crucial, and I ensure that this approach is upheld on campus; there are no time restrictions for staff or students to meet with me. Additionally, students are involved in key committees, such as the Students’ IQAC, Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), Anti-Ragging Monitoring Cell, Board for Adjudication of Students’ Grievances (BASG), Gender Justice Forum, Internal Committee for the Welfare of Students with Disabilities, and more. This involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and well-being on campus.

What do you think should be the College’s top priority over the next 10 years?

Looking ahead, my top priorities are as multi-faceted. I aim to transition the college to an autonomous status, to achieve this by the next academic year. The Department of Economics, is currently offering only an undergraduate program, which will be expanded to include a postgraduate program soon. There are plans to secure external funding to enhance the college’s research facilities. Notably, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) approved FIST funding for the development of the Science Departments in the 2019-20 academic year. This year, I will seek to obtain STAR COLLEGE funding from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated to make it befitting for the students?

Currently, the college does not have a role in curriculum development, as it follows the syllabus approved by the Board of Studies of its affiliated university, the University of Calicut. This is one of the reasons the college has applied for autonomous status. Once the college attains that, it will be able to modify the curriculum of all semesters by up to 20%. Presently we also offer add- on programs in all disciplines, with syllabi entirely developed by the College. This allows us to bridge any gaps that may exist in the university-prescribed curriculum.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real world challenges?

The college provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities. The college frequently secures first or second place in the university zonal level arts festivals (C- Zone), and students also perform exceptionally well in interzonal festivals. To coordinate these arts festivals, a fine arts committee, comprising of 25 teachers, has been established. Moreover, the students are participating in university level, inter-university level, district-level, state, national and international sports meets.

Check Pocker Sahib Memorial Orphanage College - [PSMO], Tirurangadi Reviews 

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education of your college?

I became the Principal of PSMO College after being directly recruited from another institution under the UGC Regulation 2010. At the start of my tenure, I encountered some challenges. However, I quickly established my approach and policies, gaining full support from the entire staff. This support enabled me to implement significant changes in the College. By leading with unity and without division, we achieved strong results in NAAC Accreditation and have maintained a solid position in the NIRF rankings over the past six years.

When you came to college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same?

The 21 years of experience I gained at my first college provided me with valuable insight into leading a campus with a well-defined vision. After becoming Principal at the new college, I worked to instill this vision across the entire campus, in both academic and non-academic aspects.

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

The college benefits from a visionary management team. It is governed by the Tirurangadi Orphanage Committee, a non-profit charitable trust. Our dedicated faculty members are selected purely based on merit, contribute significantly to the college's success. The Alumni Association is another major strength, with chapters spread across India, all Middle Eastern countries, and America. The alumni maintain a strong connection with the College and actively participate in its development initiatives.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

Currently, students in Arts and Science colleges seem to lack seriousness, particularly in the post-COVID period. I consistently encourage them to focus on building a strong and promising career. I'm pleased to note that over 50% of students in all departments are progressing to higher studies at Institutions of national importance, like IITs, IISERs, Central Universities and other prestigious state universities.