Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Media Release
Udupi, Sep 17: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, celebrated the landmark occasion the 90th birthday of Dr Ramdas M Pai, Padma Bhushan Awardee, and Chancellor of MAHE. The multi-day gala celebration from September 16-18, witnessed unprecedented participation from across academic community, healthcare professionals and public from all walks of life, thus reflecting the profound impact of Dr Pai's visionary leadership.
The Volunteer Services Organization (VSO) hosted the 6th National Conference on Youth in Social Change with the theme "Leading the Green Transition for a Sustainable Future." The conference witnessed participation from over 700 delegates and featured distinguished speakers including Prof. Peter Moser from University of Leoben (Austria) and Prof. John Gilbert from University of British Columbia (Canada), alongside institutional leadership.
The MAHE National Photo Awards 2025 attracted 2000 submissions from across India, with entries spanning two categories: "MeghMalhar: Visual Tribute to Rains and Rhythm" for the public and "My MAHE, My Campus" for MAHE students. The exhibition, inaugurated at Dr TMA Pai Halls, will showcase winning photographs and drew significant footfall from students, faculty, and visitors during its three-day display from September 17-19.
At the heart of the celebration has been the blood-donation and organ-pledging drive, a three-day tribute that has already touched countless lives. Over 200 generous donors have given blood so far, and the drive will continue through 18 September. Equally inspiring, many brave individuals have pledged their organs, and a registry of voluntary organ donors is now being developed to carry this mission forward. The overwhelming participation of students, faculty, staff, and community members across Manipal reflects not only a steadfast commitment, but also a shared spirit of hope, compassion, and selfless service.
Simultaneously, fruit were distributed among inmates across multiple healthcare facilities, including Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres in Udupi and Mangalore 2 / 3 districts, Kasturba Hospital Mangalore, and government-run Wenlock and Lady Goshen Hospitals in Mangalore, extending the spirit of care and wellness beyond the campus boundaries.
On this occasion, MAHE is also extending the Manipal Arogya Card to all Yakshagana artists of the region. With this initiative, close to 1,000 artists and their families will be covered, receiving special discounts on healthcare services at MAHE hospitals.
Commenting on the huge success of this this mega event, Lieutenant General (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retired), Vice Chancellor, MAHE said, “Celebrating Dr Ramdas Pai's 90 years is celebrating nine decades of transformational leadership in Indian education and healthcare. His visionary leadership has fundamentally shaped the higher education landscape, establishing benchmarks for institutional excellence and social responsibility. His philosophy that education must serve society continues to guide our mission and principles.”
Addressing the gathering at Youth Conference, he said, “As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, MAHE reaffirms its commitment to the enduring values of academic excellence, compassion, and innovation that defines Dr Ramdas M Pai’s extraordinary legacy."
Dr H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, reflecting on the celebrations, stated, "Dr Ramdas Pai's 90th birthday celebrations exemplify the values he has instilled in our institution that is service to humanity, academic excellence, and community engagement. The overwhelming response to our blood donation drive and the quality of submissions in our photography awards demonstrate how his vision continues to inspire thousands. These celebrations are not just a tribute to his past achievements, but a commitment to carrying forward his legacy of compassionate leadership and innovation in education and healthcare."
Recognized as the architect of modern Manipal, Dr Pai has been instrumental in advancing the visionary legacy of his father, Dr T M A Pai, founder of Manipal. Under his distinguished leadership, Manipal has evolved from a single institution into a network of universities spanning India and overseas, while simultaneously establishing the Manipal Hospital chain as one of the country's most trusted healthcare brands.
The celebrations extended across all Manipal Group campuses, with similar commemorative events organized in Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, Dubai, Malaysia and Antigua, demonstrating widespread respect and admiration for Dr Pai's contributions to education and healthcare.
The success of these celebrations reinforces MAHE's position as a leading institution that balances academic excellence with social responsibility. The initiatives undertaken during Dr Pai's 90th birthday celebrations will continue through the upcoming 4th Convention of Academy of General Education (AGE) College Teachers, scheduled for September 20, 2025, at Sri Mahaveera College, Moodbidri.