NIT Srinagar pays tributes to Dr. Sagadevan R; holds condolence meet, Laid to rest in Tamil Nadu; Institute extends support to his family

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Dr. Sagadevan R, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, who passed away at SKIMS Soura, Srinagar. His sudden demise has left the campus community in deep shock and mourning. The entire NIT Srinagar fraternity, including teaching, administrative, non-teaching staff, and scholars, assembled near the Main Faculty Block for a condolence meeting and paid rich tributes to Dr. Sagadevan.

The gathering was led by In-Charge Director Prof. (HAG) Roohi Naaz, along with the Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Deans, Heads of Departments, and Centers, teaching and non-teaching staff, Administrative Officers, scholars, and students.  In his condolence message, Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia described Dr. Sagadevan’s demise as both a personal and institutional tragedy.

“The news has left the entire NIT Srinagar fraternity in grief. Dr. Sagadevan was not only a promising academic but also a kind and humble human being. We stand with his family in this time of grief and will continue to carry forward his vision,” Prof. Kanaujia said. Speaking on the occasion, In-Charge Director Prof. Roohi Naaz remembered Dr. Sagadevan as an excellent academician and a dedicated mentor.

“His passion for teaching, his commitment to research, and his warmth in guiding students made him a pillar of strength in our academic community. His loss is not just a personal tragedy for his family, but a collective one for all of us at NIT Srinagar,” she said. Prof. Roohi added that Dr. Sagadevan’s invaluable contributions as a teacher, researcher, and mentor will be cherished and remembered with utmost respect and gratitude.

She assured that the institute will extend all possible support to his family during this period of grief, reaffirming NIT Srinagar’s commitment to care for its members beyond professional boundaries. “Dr. Sagadevan was widely admired for his dedication to students and his constant pursuit of academic excellence. He played a pivotal role in nurturing young minds, encouraging innovation, and inspiring many to pursue higher goals in structural engineering and allied fields,” she said.

She said NIT Srinagar made every possible effort for his treatment and, after his passing, ensured that his mortal remains were transported to his family in Tamil Nadu with dignity and respect. “I wish to place on record our gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Government, SKIMS Soura, the Police, Airport Authority, and all agencies who extended timely support in this process,” Prof. Roohi said.

The condolence meeting concluded with a two-minute silence observed by faculty, staff, and scholars as a solemn mark of respect to Dr. Sagadevan. Meanwhile, NIT Srinagar family has assured that it will extend every possible support to the family of Dr. Sagadevan in this hour of grief. The administration, faculty, and staff have pledged their solidarity and support as a mark of respect for his contributions.

Dr. Sagadevan was widely admired for his dedication to students and his constant pursuit of academic excellence. He played a pivotal role in nurturing young minds, encouraging innovation, and inspiring many to pursue higher goals in structural engineering and allied fields. His warmth and accessibility as a mentor left a lasting impact on all who interacted with him.

The final rituals of Dr. Sagadevan were performed at his native village, Keelaperambalur in Perambalur District of Tamil Nadu, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. (Sep 09) Born and educated in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Sagadevan’s academic journey reflected brilliance and perseverance. He completed his B.E. in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, in 2011.

He pursued his M.Tech in Structural Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 2013, and in 2020, earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from IIT Madras.