Interview with Professor Sanjay Bahadoorsingh (2024 Fatima College Hall of Achievement Inductee)

Professor Sanjay Bahadoorsingh (Class of 2000, Form 6) is a distinguished academic and professional in the fields of Electrical Engineering and Sustainable Energy. He holds a B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of the West Indies (UWI), an M.Sc. in Power Systems Engineering and Economics from The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from The University of Manchester. At 41, he became the youngest male professor at UWI, serving as a Professor of Power Systems and Sustainable Energy.  He still holds this position as Professor and also served as Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (2021-2024) and Deputy Dean of Enterprise Development and Outreach for the Faculty of Engineering (2019-2021).

Professor Bahadoorsingh has made substantial contributions to Engineering education and policy in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. He is the Chairman of the National Technical Committee for Electrical Codes at the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, responsible for overseeing the development of all electrical standards. He is also the President of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) National Electrotechnical Committee Affiliate Country Programme for Trinidad and Tobago. He serves as the Co-Chairman of the Specification Committee for Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, and the Chairman of the High Voltage Code Committee at the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards. He presides as the Chairman of the Joint Association of Profession Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT) and Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago (BOETT), Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee.

His professional accolades include serving as an expert witness for the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago, notably during the 2015-2019 submarine power cable failure investigation. A prolific researcher, consultant, and advocate, Professor Bahadoorsingh is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and has championed STEM education through initiatives such as the IEEE E-Scientia Module and the Women in Engineering Affinity Group.

His contributions to standards development, sustainable energy, and education reflect his unwavering commitment to advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s Engineering and Education landscape. In recognition of his outstanding service to Engineering and Education, he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 2024 and was soon afterwards inducted into the Fatima College Hall of Achievement in December 2024. He was also awarded the APETT (Association of Professional Engineers Trinidad & Tobago) Fenrick R. De Four Award for Outstanding Engineering Achievement in 2025.

See Sanjay’s induction into the Fatima College Hall of Achievement here.

Q. You only attended Form 6 in Fatima. Where do you go to school prior?

I attended Hillview College from 1993 to 1998.

Q. Tell us of your time at Fatima…. subjects, teachers, sports played (if any), etc.

I pursued Mathematics and Further Mathematics with Mr Doolan Mahabir, Physics with Mr Francisco Garcia and General Paper with Ms Rosemarie Duff.

Q. Have you been able to maintain friendships with your classmates since school?

Of course. I have maintained contact with colleagues, lifelong friends from my cohort, through weekly messages and sometimes an occasional phone-call.

Q. What is the most valuable lesson you learned at Fatima?

The most valuable lesson I learned at Fatima College was the importance of discipline, sacrifice and commitment. I woke up exceedingly early every school-day to commute with my father to ensure I arrived at school on time–I was always punctual. Success is not built in a moment, but instead developed over time with perseverance. Fatima College has also reinforced the value of integrity (doing the right thing even when no one is watching!), and the responsibility to use your talents not just for personal success, but in service to others. These lessons have remained with me and continue to guide both my personal and professional life.

Q. World Earth Day was celebrated on 22 April 2025 and the theme was ‘Our Power, Our Planet’. The Trinidad and Tobago Newsday printed an interview with you (https://newsday.co.tt/2025/04/21/world-earth-day-2025-powering-a-sustainable-caribbean/) and you gave your thoughts on the theme. Your message to citizens was as follows: “Demand action but also act responsibly and become active participants whether through solar adoption, efficient appliances and/or advocacy.” Please elaborate on that.

We must lead by example and be the change we want to see, especially for the younger ones. Waiting for someone else to act is not an acceptable approach, and certainly not an excuse for inaction.

Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

That is a tough question. My mind is racing with a few options…but they can be summarized in one line: Guard and preserve your character, as it is your integrity that ultimately defines you.

Q. Any role models?

 My late father. As a self-employed individual, he exemplified discipline, integrity and responsibility, working every day to provide for my mother, my brother and me. There were no sick-days and very little time-off, just a steadfast commitment. He also taught me that your character was your most valuable quality, and that it must be treated as being sacred. He taught me the values of hard work, integrity and kindness, and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, which has guided me throughout my life. He always reinforced that you keep opportunities because people trust your judgment and integrity, so always do what is right and people will remember how you treated others and how you handled responsibility. These guiding principles deeply shaped who I am today.

Q. Tell us about your family (wife, kids if applicable).

My immediate family consists of my mother, brother and daughter. My mother has been an unwavering source of love and encouragement that continues to be my constant resource for strength. I am grateful that though she is now a retired hairdresser and pensioner, I can still benefit from her pro bono monthly precise and flattering haircuts! My younger and only brother followed in our late father’s footsteps by pursuing a legal career…he became an Attorney at Law. He has always been a superb confidant, and my biggest advocate. My daughter is ten years old and has been the greatest provider of ‘inspiration for my perspiration’. Her kindness and innocence drive me to be my best, encouraging me to be an example she can look up to.

Q. Favorite type(s) of music? What are you listening to in your car right now?

I listen to many genres of music including soca, vintage calypso, soft rock. I enjoy my 80’s music, old school (maxi) dub, reggae and rockers. Right now, I am listening to Fleetwood Mac.

Q. Favorite Sunday lunch?

Callaloo, stewed chicken, boiled (sweet) plantain and cheesy macaroni pie, with fresh salad.

Q. Doubles….slight, medium, heavy or nothing.

Slight.

Q. Favorite flavor Solo soft drink

Cream soda.

Q. Android or iPhone?

Android.

Q. The last good movie that you saw?

Top Gun: Maverick.

Q. Any hobbies and/or guilty pleasures? How do you spend your free time?

Volunteering provides me with a sense of community and my ultimately knowing that I can have a positive impact on those around me. I love spending time with my daughter and diving into her world, as it helps me to understand her more––whether it’s an impromptu outing or a DIY art session, these are the moments I cherish the most. When it’s time to unwind, I appreciate a good lime with close friends, watching sports and good conversations. But nothing beats a relaxing trip to one of Tobago’s beautiful beaches––that’s where I can truly disconnect and recharge.

Q. Any bucket list item(s) still to achieve in your life (career/personal)?

Visit Hawaii, with my daughter.

Q. If you could visit anywhere in the world right now for vacation, where would it be?

Right now, I will go to Tobago. I’m trying to avoid international travel given the global conflicts and its impact on cross-border travel and security.

Q. With all your accolades and experience, what would you say has been the highest point of your life/career so far?

Every accolade has its own unique, humbling feeling of immense achievement, satisfaction and deep gratitude. It is fuel for the intrinsic flame that challenges the man-in-the-mirror to push the boundaries and maintain that pursuit of excellence.

Q. Your proudest moment?

This is a bitter sweet recollection. I remember presenting the official correspondence of my elevation to the rank of Professor to my mother in 2022. Sitting in her chair, she held the document and politely enquired of the nature of the semi-folded document that she now gently clasped. My response to her was a soft: “Read it”. She eventually located her glasses and proceeded to do just that. After she read it, she gazed upwards at me with watery eyes and said “I wish your father was here to see this, he would be happy”.

My Dad passed in 2019 after a battle with colon cancer. He used to refer to me as “Professor” whenever I was home!

Q. Is there any accolade or accomplishment missing from the list that you would like to mention.

That’s a very thoughtful question. While I am truly grateful for the recognition received for these accolades, that was never something I actively pursued. The most meaningful accomplishments are not always reflected in formal accolades, or captured on any list. To me, such recognition is simply a reflection of the values, principles and impact that matter most. I remain committed to becoming the best version of myself, serving with humility and purpose through community work, philanthropic efforts, professional influence, mentorship, and contributions to national development. I do so with a deep sense of pride and responsibility as I am red, white, and black…with a splash of grey (for Fatima!).

Q. What does ‘Nitendo Vinces’ mean to you?

It’s a reminder that life’s journey is unique and success is never accidental––it is calculated. It is a result of discipline, humility, and a commitment to excellence in all that you diligently pursue.

Q. How did it feel to be inducted into the Fatima College Hall of Achievement?

I felt deeply humbled and honoured to be inducted into the Fatima College Hall of Achievement. To be recognized by Fatima College is truly special to me. It was a ‘full-circle’ moment that allowed me to reflect and recognize: the lessons learned within those walls, the friendships formed, and the foundation developed for everything that followed. Standing among the names of those who have contributed so much to society, I was reminded that this recognition is not just about individual accomplishment, but about the collective influence of teachers, mentors, family, friends and the community in that journey. Above all, it renewed that spirit to continue striving for excellence, to continue to give back and to uphold the values which Fatima College represents and presents.

Q. Any closing remarks?

Attending Fatima College was definitely one of the extremely pivotal moments in my life. The foundational values nurtured at Fatima, coupled with the strength of lifelong friendships, have been instrumental for me to overcome life’s unexpected obstacles successfully.

So, to the boys and men of Fatima…go forth bravely and boldly, and continue to represent the red, white and black––but never forget the grey-pocket!!