MAHE to Celebrate 90th Birthday of Chancellor Dr. Ramdas M. Pai with Community Service Initiatives and Academic Events
Manipal, September 16, 2025 : Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, will commemorate the 90th birthday of its esteemed Chancellor, Dr. Ramdas M. Pai, Padma Bhushan Awardee, on September 17, 2025, through a series of meaningful initiatives that reflect his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and community service.
Revered as the architect of modern Manipal, Dr. Pai has been instrumental in advancing the visionary legacy of his father, Dr. T.M.A. Pai. Under his distinguished leadership, Manipal has grown 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. His stewardship has transformed Manipal into a globally recognized hub for education, healthcare, research, and innovation.
The centerpiece of the birthday celebrations will be a comprehensive blood donation and organ pledge drive scheduled for September 16-18, 2025, in Manipal. This three-day initiative will witness participation from students, faculty, staff, and local community members, embodying Dr. Pai’s unwavering dedication to social responsibility and humanitarian service.
Dr. Sharath Rao K., Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE Manipal, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “Blood donation and organ pledging are among the most profound acts of humanity. While blood donation saves lives in the immediate moment, organ pledging gives the promise of life to others in the future. Organ pledging is a voluntary commitment to donate one’s organs after death, ensuring that even in passing, we give the gift of life. By coming together for this noble cause, our students and community members are not only saving lives but also carrying forward Dr. Ramdas Pai’s legacy of compassion and service. This initiative is a true celebration of his vision.”
As part of the celebrations, MAHE will distribute fruit bags among patients across multiple healthcare facilities, including:
- Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Dr. TMA Pai Hospital Udupi, Dr. TMA Pai Rotary Hospital in Karakala
- Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres in Udupi and Mangalore Districts
- Kasturba Hospital, Mangalore, KMC Attavar and Durga Sanjeevani Manipal Hospital Kateel
- Kasturba Medical College-administered government hospitals, including Wenlock District Hospital, Lady Goschen Hospital in Mangalore.
This widespread distribution aims to promote health and nutrition among patients, reflecting the institution’s commitment to holistic healthcare.
The Volunteer Service Organization (VSO) will inaugurate its flagship conference at 9:30 AM on September 17 at Dr. TMA Pai Halls, Manipal. Themed “Leading the Green Transition for a Sustainable Future,” the day-long event will feature plenary sessions with sustainability experts, youth-led panel discussions, NGO exhibition showcasing community initiatives, and poster competition highlighting innovative sustainability solutions
Department of Public Relations, Media & Social Media, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal is organizing National-level photography competition, curated by MAHE to celebrate creativity and visual expression, will also be hosted with two distinct categories: “MeghMalhar: Visual Tribute to Rains and Rhythm” – Open to the public across India & “My MAHE, My Campus” – Exclusively for MAHE students
The exhibition of selected photographs will be inaugurated at 10:00 AM on September 17 at the Dr. TMA Pai Halls, followed by public viewing. The prize distribution ceremony will take place the same evening, with the exhibition remaining open to visitors on September 18-19, 2025.
Further extending the celebrations, the 4th Convention of Academy of General Education (AGE) College Teachers will be held at Sri Mahaveera College, Moodbidri, on Saturday, 20th September 2025, in honor of the Chancellor’s 90th birthday.
While the main celebrations will be held at the Manipal campus, other Manipal Group campuses across India will organize similar commemorative events, demonstrating the widespread respect and admiration for Dr. Pai’s transformative contributions to education and healthcare.
These celebrations, aligned with Dr. Pai’s vision of education and healthcare rooted in compassion, make a tribute to his remarkable contributions as he enters his 90th year. The initiatives reinforce MAHE’s commitment to excellence beyond academics, focusing on holistic development and community service that addresses societal needs during the most meaningful times.