Coastal Karnataka's educational stalwart, Dr. Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), recently earned the distinguished 'Legendary Institute Builder Award – 2026' from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The ceremony took place on October 10 in New Delhi, forming part of the 12th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards, itself a segment of the 21st FICCI Higher Education Summit. Former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi presented the prestigious accolade, with MAHE Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sharath K. Rao accepting it on Dr. Pai's behalf.
FICCI recognized Dr. Pai for his exceptional contributions to nation-building, particularly through his transformative work in education, healthcare, research, and social welfare initiatives. This latest honor follows his receipt of FICCI's 'Lifetime Achievement' award in 2018, underscoring a career dedicated to institutional excellence.
Dr. Ramdas Pai inherited a powerful legacy, being the son of Dr. Tonse Madhava Anantha Pai (Dr. TMA Pai), who famously transformed Manipal into an internationally recognized hub. Inspired by his father's pioneering spirit, Dr. Ramdas Pai began his journey as the Medical Director of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, before embarking on his own mission to establish and expand numerous educational and medical institutions. Following Dr. Madhava Pai's passing in 1979, Dr. Ramdas Pai assumed leadership, demonstrating remarkable vision, determination, and dynamism to significantly expand the Manipal Group of Institutions. Under his guidance, the group's educational and healthcare divisions reached new heights, extending their footprint internationally to Nepal, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Antigua.
The 'Legendary Institute Builder Award' specifically honors individuals whose vision, leadership, and persistent efforts have created institutions of lasting national and global prominence. Dr. Pai's decades of dedication to fostering educational and healthcare infrastructure clearly align with this esteemed criterion.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi