FISAT will never forget Dr. K. S. M. Panicker. He was the one person who walked alongside P. V. Mathew when the Federal Bank Officers Association aspired to start an engineering college. Panicker Sir was the Principal of Model Engineering College when Mathew Sir approached him for consultation on establishing an engineering institution. That relationship played a crucial role in shaping FISAT into what it is today. Panicker Sir was instrumental in the academic and institutional development of FISAT during its formative years. He helped in selecting the courses, planning the requirements, recruiting people, and developing the institution.
FISAT held a special place in Panicker Sir’s heart, we believe. He had a very clear vision while setting the goals for FISAT in its initial days. He was a mentor to many young faculty members on campus at that time. Personally, for me, he was someone we always looked up to, the vision and foresight he possessed cannot be explained in words.
I still remember the day he called me to his chamber and asked me to prepare the detailed project report for starting the B.Tech programme in Civil Engineering at our campus. He mentored and guided me at every step in building the department. He stood with us always, encouraging us in everything we did.
It was his vision that also helped us start the M.Tech programme. One of the strongest reflections of his trust, even today, was the opportunity he extended to me to be a placement officer when I had zero experience. When I look back, it was a great honour for me to work with him at FISAT. There are a million more things I can recall, but... I am sure there are many, many hearts he touched during his academic career.
When the news of his passing reached us late last night, we were all saddened beyond words. Twenty-two years flashed by, the time we spent with him on campus, during working hours and beyond. This photograph will remain in my mind forever, I took it the day we walked to the top floor of FISAT on a fine evening, we could see the master planner looking at a creation that he was a part of.
10 Jan 2026
