By Dr. Elsa Lycias Joel

In an engaging tête-à-tête held on January 5, 2025, with Dr. Elsa Lycias Joel, Sanjeev Nair, CEO of Technopark Kerala, reflects on a journey that spans the vibrant landscapes of remote India, the disciplined rigours of the Army, and the dynamic world of technology and innovation.

From his formative years in Kirandul and Bellary, to commanding mission-critical operations in the Indian Army, and now steering one of India’s largest IT parks through transformative growth, Nair reflects on the confluence of leadership, resilience, and creativity that has shaped his path.

Beyond his professional odyssey, he shares glimpses of his personal passions — from defence innovation and nurturing start-ups to impromptu singing, acting, and exploring serene corners of the world — painting a portrait of a leader who blends operational precision with a zest for life’s unexpected adventures.

Could you take us back to where the roots of your childhood and formative years first took hold?
What do you cherish most about growing up — your school days, your neighbourhood, and the simple moments that perhaps still ground you even today?

I was born in Thiruvalla, Kerala, but was brought up in Kirandul, a remote township that was once part of Bastar district in Madhya Pradesh and is now in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. My father worked with NMDC Ltd at the Bailadilla Iron Ore Project, and my mother was a homemaker.

Growing up in this vibrant “mini India,” I studied at Prakash Vidyalaya and later at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kirandul, before moving to KV Donimalai near Bellary in Karnataka during class XII when my father was transferred.

My childhood was a tapestry of simple joys — walking to school with friends, diving into games, science exhibitions, and all kinds of co-curricular adventures. Evenings were spent playing in our colony, cheering through inter-colony cricket matches, or soaking in the magic of the open-air theatre at the Community Centre.

Festivals brought the entire community alive — from visits to the Ayyappa temple and Ramlila performances during Dussehra, to celebrations of Diwali, Holi, Christmas, and Onam. I still remember the mesmerising local tribal dances and the bustling markets where tribal communities brought fresh produce.

Sounds enchanting. What a world full of colour, laughter, and shared moments!

You bet! (smiles)
The Kerala Samajam in Kirandul was very active, and its weekly classes helped me learn to read and write Malayalam.

Among my fondest memories is the scenic train journey from Kirandul to Visakhapatnam, winding through deep forests, echoing tunnels, and breathtaking gorges as we made our way toward connecting trains to Kerala each summer. Those long, hazy holidays seemed to begin the moment the train lurched forward.

Was there a particular moment or person who inspired you to choose the path of the armed forces?
Your name, Sanjeev, meaning “reviving” or “bringing to life,” feels beautifully symbolic.

These experiences offered rich exposure at a young age, shaping my personality through a blend of academics, sports, and cultural learning. A strong interest in the armed forces took root during class XII at Donimalai, inspired by a close friend whose father proudly served in the Army.

Although early attempts like the NDA and Navy 10+2 Technical Entry didn’t work out, later, with an engineering degree in Electronics & Communication, I cleared the Army SSB, a defining turning point that reshaped my character, purpose, and identity.

While I’ve never been deeply inclined toward onomastics, I admit it’s a nice coincidence that my name carries a positive meaning.

I joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in 1996, was commissioned into the Corps of Signals in 1997, and served for over 21 years.

As a Signals Officer, the responsibility is to ensure secure and reliable communication across battlefields — from mountains and jungles to deserts and forward posts — making the Corps the backbone of command and control.

I served in Operation Vijay (Kargil) and Operation Parakram, experiences that deeply shaped my understanding of duty and operational readiness. Over the years, I led high-impact teams and managed mission-critical ICT and communication intelligence projects.

My academic journey included:

• BTech in Electronics & Communication

• Masters in Communication Engineering (IIT Bombay)

• Advanced training at MCTE Mhow and Army War College

• Executive Programme in Business Management (MDI Gurugram)

I was honoured with two commendations from the Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Army life demands dedication, and I have been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my wife, son, parents, and brother. I voluntarily retired in November 2017, ready to begin my second innings.

Post-retirement, I led sales and business development at Vehere, working on advanced communication intelligence solutions for national and international law enforcement agencies, and represented the company at global defence exhibitions such as Eurosatory (Paris) and Indo Defence Expo (Jakarta).

Later, I volunteered with Deepalaya, one of Delhi’s oldest NGOs, supporting large-scale education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and COVID-19 relief efforts, applying operational expertise gained from the Army.

I then transitioned to iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) as Program Director, overseeing prototype development for over 100 defence innovation challenges, fostering collaboration between startups, MSMEs, and the Armed Forces.

I was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Defence Innovation Organisation for contributions toward the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence (Innovation category).

After personal life changes, including the loss of my father and my son securing admission to IIT Palakkad, I felt a calling to return to Kerala. In January 2023, I assumed charge as CEO of Technopark Kerala.

Technopark spans 3.1 sq km, hosts 500+ IT/ITeS companies, employs 80,000+ professionals, and records software exports exceeding $1.58 billion annually.

It is currently undergoing its largest expansion phase, including Technocity, envisioned as a hub for Global Capability Centres, IT, and R&D, positioning Thiruvananthapuram firmly on the global innovation map.

The Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ), launched in November 2024, brings together startups, academia, industry, and defence stakeholders to bridge innovation with operational needs, leveraging Kerala’s strong technology and research ecosystem.

Fitness and holistic well-being have always been central to my life, sustained through exercise, yoga, meditation, and disciplined living.

Post-retirement, I explored creative avenues — acting in the web series Dude 2, appearing in a Cred advertisement with Kapil Dev, and participating in stage performances and flash mobs.

I also enjoy travelling to serene, less crowded destinations, combining adventure with reflection.

From the school corridors of Kirandul and Donimalai, to the battlefields of Kargil, the innovation corridors of iDEX, and the dynamic ecosystem of Technopark Kerala, this journey reflects a life shaped by service, creativity, and purpose.

It’s been a privilege to explore the confluence of leadership, innovation, and the simple joys of life through your eyes.