Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 21:45 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025 16:10 [IST]
On September 17, 2025, Dr. Ramdas Madhav Pai, Padma Bhushan awardee and Founding Pro Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), turns 90. This milestone is more than a birthday—it is a celebration of a remarkable life dedicated to transforming education and healthcare in India, and particularly in the Himalayan state of Sikkim.
A Bold Beginning in Sikkim
When Sikkim Manipal University was established in 1995, it was India’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in higher education. The vision was bold and clear: to link education with skill development, create opportunities for employment, and empower youth—especially in Sikkim—to step confidently into a rapidly changing world.
Thanks to Dr. Pai’s foresight, the state saw the establishment of its first medical and engineering colleges and a super specialty hospital. For the young people of Sikkim, this meant that dreams which once required leaving the state—or even the country—could now be pursued closer to home.
The Making of a Visionary
Born on September 17, 1935, Dr. Ramdas M. Pai began his journey in medicine, graduating with an MBBS from Karnatak University in 1958. He went on to earn a Master of Health Administration from Temple University, USA. In 1961, he returned to India to take charge of Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, laying the groundwork for a career defined by institution-building and service.
After the passing of his father, the legendary Dr. T.M.A. Pai, Dr. Ramdas Pai took over the reins of the Manipal Group. Under his leadership, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) earned its deemed university status in 1993, and the Manipal brand grew to encompass campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, Nepal, Antigua, and, of course, Sikkim.
Transforming Sikkim’s Landscape
For Sikkim, Dr. Pai’s contribution has been nothing short of transformative. By bringing higher education and advanced healthcare into the fold of this small Himalayan state, he created opportunities that not only enriched individual lives but also spurred social and economic progress. SMU quickly became a hub for learning, research, and medical care—an institution that continues to attract students from across the country and beyond.
Even today, SMU embodies Dr. Pai’s belief that education must go hand-in-hand with compassion, inclusivity, and opportunity for all.
Beyond Borders, Guided by Values
Long before globalization became a catchphrase, Dr. Pai envisioned education that crossed borders and united communities. He believed that institutions must not simply grow in size but in strength of values. His leadership style—firm yet compassionate, visionary yet grounded—created an environment where excellence could flourish without compromising integrity.
A Living Legacy
At 90, Dr. Ramdas M. Pai’s greatest legacy lies not just in the institutions he built, but in the countless lives transformed by them. From Manipal to Sikkim, from India to the world, his contributions continue to inspire generations of students, doctors, engineers, researchers, and educators.
A Grateful Tribute from SMU
As the SMU family celebrates his 90th birthday, it does so with deep gratitude. For the students and faculty who walk its halls, for the patients who receive care in its hospital, and for the alumni who carry its name with pride, Dr. Pai’s vision is a guiding light.
On this special day, the SMU family remains ever grateful for his guidance and inspiration, and wishes Dr. Ramdas M. Pai continued health, happiness, and the joy of seeing his vision flourish for decades to come.
