By Kishore Thomas John, FDP 2013*
Caption: Prof. Suresh Kumar, Dean, XIME Chennai (PGP 83)
On August 19, 2019, Prof. Suresh Kumar, a distinguished graduate of IIT Madras (BE 1976-81) and IIM Ahmedabad (PGP 1981-83), arrived at XIME Chennai, a campus that was still finding its feet. Handpicked by the revered Founder Chairman, Prof. J. Philip Sir, Prof. Kumar was chosen to lead the young campus toward a future of excellence and resilience as Associate Professor, he was thereafter immediately promoted as Dean due to a leadership vacuum in the institute caused by the sudden exit of the then XIME Chennai’s Director. It was a moment that would change the trajectory of XIME Chennai forever. This is a brief account of his influence on the institute and how his leadership influenced me.
At first glance, XIME Chennai seemed like any other budding educational institution—a fledgling campus with its third batch of students. But beneath the surface, there was uncertainty. Could this campus truly live up to the legacy of its parent institutions? Could it flourish in the competitive landscape of Indian education? Prof. Kumar had a vision—one that would not just answer these questions but transform XIME Chennai into something far greater than anyone could have imagined.
Little did anyone know that the most significant challenge was just around the corner.
As the world reeled from the COVID-19 pandemic, XIME Chennai was thrown into turmoil. The campus, once alive with energy, went quiet. Classes were shifted online, and the campus halls stood empty. Students, many of whom had been eagerly awaiting their campus experience, were confined to their homes. It felt like the heart of XIME Chennai had been torn out. But in the midst of the chaos, Prof. Suresh Kumar stood firm. For him, leadership wasn’t just about navigating the storm—it was about seeing the light at the end of it. He knew that the true essence of education could not be confined to a physical space. Under his leadership, the academic team rallied together to teach students from across 18 states. XIME was also located in an industrial corridor in Kancheepuram district outside Chennai with limited connectivity issues. He made sure that even in isolation, students received the best education possible, that they never lost hope, and that XIME Chennai would rise, no matter the odds.
His efforts bore fruit. Despite the upheaval, student performance and placement statistics continued to rise year after year. But the challenges didn’t end there. The year 2021 brought what many called the “disaster batch.” Only 46 students enrolled—a far cry from the 120 seats sanctioned by AICTE. Doubts about the future of XIME Chennai grew louder, and the Bangalore XIME Society began to question its viability. And then, in the middle of this storm, the former Director abandoned his post without warning, leaving the campus leaderless at a critical moment.
In that moment of crisis, Prof. Kumar stood alone, but he never faltered. When others might have given up, he rolled up his sleeves and took the future of XIME Chennai into his own hands. With no director, no certainty, and no one to lean on, he led the charge for admissions himself. It was a task few would have dared to take on, but Prof. Kumar had always believed that challenges were just opportunities in disguise. And what a transformation it was. From a meagre 46 students, Prof. Kumar turned the tide. In 2022, 108 students joined XIME Chennai. In 2023, that number soared to 150, filling the campus to its full capacity. XIME Chennai was no longer a question mark—it had become a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the sheer power of one man’s belief in the future.
But Prof. Kumar’s influence wasn’t confined to numbers on a page. He believed in the complete growth of his students—not just academically, but physically, mentally, and emotionally. Under his guidance, XIME Chennai became a place where students learned yoga, practiced meditation, focused on physical fitness, and engaged in one-on-one mentoring with handpicked faculty. Prof. Kumar knew that true education wasn’t just about knowledge—it was about building character, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Perhaps one of his greatest legacies is his commitment to diversity. Prof. Kumar worked tirelessly to ensure that students from the farthest corners of India—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, the North-East—felt welcomed at XIME Chennai. He understood that diversity wasn’t just about representation; it was about creating a community where every voice mattered, where students from different backgrounds could learn from each other and grow together. Special focus was given to admitting students from socially backward castes, economically challenged circumstances, and North-Eastern states of India to encourage a diversity initiative.
Today, XIME Chennai is known for its unique academic and cultural practices, many of which have yet to be adopted by other campuses. Under Prof. Kumar’s leadership, the campus is well on its way to receiving NBA and EFMD accreditation, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. XIME Brand was ranked in the band of 101-125 in NIRF 2023. Its founder Chairman, Prof. J. Philip is a former Director of IIM-Bangalore. The institute boasts strong links to the Xavier Institutes run by the Jesuit congregation in several parts of India.
Yet, what is perhaps most inspiring about Prof. Kumar is his personal commitment to every single student. Even in his 60s, an age where many would consider retirement, he continues to teach and mentor hundreds of students. His dedication goes far beyond the responsibilities of a dean—he is a guide, a mentor, and a constant source of support for all who pass through XIME’s gates. In his unwavering belief, his quiet strength, and his tireless dedication, Prof. Suresh Kumar has not just led XIME Chennai—he has transformed it. Through the darkest of times, he has been the guiding light, a beacon of hope for students, faculty, and the entire XIME community.
And today, as XIME Chennai flourishes, it stands as a living testament to Prof. Kumar’s vision. It is a place where dreams take flight, where challenges are embraced, and where, against all odds, the impossible becomes possible.
Kishore Thomas John is Assistant Professor in XIME Chennai.
*The article was principally written by Ishita Mishra and Pallavi Singh, Social Media Team of XIME Chennai
