Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Media Release
Udupi, May 1: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, celebrated the 128th birth anniversary of Dr TMA Pai, on Thursday, April 30. The celebration was graced by dignitaries from the Manipal Group Vasanti R Pai, trustee, MAHE Trust, Dr Ranjan R Pai, president, MAHE Trust, registrar, Academy of General Education (AGE), & chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), T Ashok Pai, president, Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal, T Satish U Pai, executive chairman, Manipal Media Network Limited, & vice president, Academy of General Education (AGE), Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE & president, AGE, Manipal.
Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh VSM (Retd), vice chancellor, MAHE, was the chief guest. The event was also attended by several senior officials from the Manipal Group of Institutions, making it a memorable celebration of Dr TMA Pai's legacy.
Each year, Manipal Group of Institutions observes Founders’ Day on April 30 to honour and remember the legacy of Dr TMA Pai, the visionary founder of the Manipal Group, who transformed the once barren hilltop of Manipal into a globally renowned educational hub. This year’s celebration was marked by several programs, which began with a heartfelt floral tribute to Dr TMA Pai by all the distinguished guests and dignitaries.
Dr Ranjan R Pai, president, MAHE Trust, registrar, AGE & chairman, MEMG, Bengaluru, said, “Dr TMA Pai was a visionary who believed that education and healthcare are the strongest pillars for nation-building. His relentless commitment to creating opportunities for learning and service laid the foundation for what Manipal stands for today. As we celebrate his birth anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to carrying his legacy forward by nurturing excellence, innovation, and social responsibility across all our institutions.”
Welcoming the audience, Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE, & president, academy of general education, said, “On behalf of MAHE, I extend a warm welcome to everyone. As we gather here today to celebrate and remember the legacy of Dr TMA Pai, this annual occasion holds great significance in our institution's history as it commemorates the vision, dedication, and pioneering spirit of our esteemed founder”.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor, MAHE, said, “Dr TMA Pai’s vision was founded on the belief that access to quality education and healthcare can transform societies. Equally remarkable was his deep respect for sustainable development; long before sustainability became a global priority, he demonstrated that true progress must coexist with environmental responsibility. By choosing to build on barren land while preserving fertile agricultural fields and forests, he set an enduring example of development guided by principle and foresight. As we move forward, MAHE remains committed to advancing its legacy through innovation, research, inclusive growth, and responsible stewardship.”
Honouring academic excellence and community service: The event also served as a platform to recognise outstanding talent through the distribution of several prestigious awards and scholarships. A highlight of the evening was the release of a special endowment fund for girl child education by Vasanti R Pai and Indira S. Ballal, a special initiative by Indira S Ballal and pro chancellor Dr H S Ballal, underscoring the commitment to inclusive empowerment.
Scholarships and fellowships: Numerous students were honoured, including the presentation of the Kundapur Mohan and Latha Bhandarkars' merit cum means scholarships to PhD scholars and the Kadambi Scholarships. Additionally, 19 Manipal Scholars and 42 academic rank holders from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 batches were felicitated for their exceptional academic performance.
Recognising healthcare and support staff: Beyond academics, the celebration honoured the "unsung heroes" of the Manipal ecosystem. Awards were presented for excellence in nursing, Anganwadi service, and hostel caretaking, including the Sharada M Pai – Dr Padma Rao Memorial Award and the Geetha K Nayak Memorial Award. Founders’ Day celebrations at MAHE not only honour the life and contributions of Dr TMA Pai but also reaffirm its commitment to academic excellence, healthcare innovation, and societal impact, values that continue to guide the institution’s growth and global reputation.