Udupi: The inauguration function of Manipal Academy of Higher Education on Friday,at Chaitya Hall of Fortune Inn Valley View was a momentous occasion for the deemed to be University. With all the previous vice chancellors and the present one sharing a stage to start the celebrations, it was nothing short of a historic occasion. The presence of Infosys founder, NR Narayana Murthy as the chief guest was the cherry on the cake. Also present was Manipal Education and Medical Group, Bengaluru chairman, Dr Ranjan Pai.

A short, impressive programme gave the celebrations a good start. Every speaker recalled how Dr TMA Pai toiled to start India’s best private university. Each of them also recognized the tremendous efforts put in by Dr Ramdas M Pai, the present Chancellor in bringing it to where it now is. The release of the silver jubilee logo was also unique as Murthy pressed a button it showed up on the huge LED screen on the stage. That got a round of good applause.

The former vice chancellors were all eminent persons. Right from Dr M S Valiathan, the founding vice chancellor to the present VC, Dr H Vinod Bhat is renowned. After Dr Valiathan, Dr B M Hegde took over, then Dr H S Ballal followed by Dr Raj Warrier and Dr Ram Narayan. Pro-chancellor, Dr H S Ballal while welcoming the gathering said his association with the institution has been for more than four decades. “As an institution of higher education we have been in existence for more than six decades and as a university it is 25 years now,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of all the vice chancellors, past and present, Dr Valiathan spoke of the extraordinary growth of the University. He said it was because of the dedicated and continued leadership provided by two great minds, the father and son duo. He expressed happiness that two generations have contributed to the growth of this great institution and was also glad that the third generation of Dr Ranjan Pai promises to take this institution to greater heights.

Vice-chancellor, Dr H Vinod Bhat gave a snapshot of the university from the time it started with five institutions in Manipal and Mangaluru with a little over 5500 students to the present presence in three countries and 32,000 students. He spoke about research, some of the existing programmes and future plans too. He took pride in saying, “Ours is the highest ranked private university in the country according to World QS Rankings.” He told that eighty new centers were set up in 30 months. “I believe our past performance and future potential will help us get the status of “Institution of Eminence” for which we have applied to the government of India,” he said. Of the future campuses he said plans were to start universities in Bengaluru, Jamshedpur and Sri Lanka.

There was interaction with Narayana Murthy at the end of the programme. It was moderated by Dr Gayathri Prabhu, associate professor, MCPH.