Dr. Ramdas Pai’s 90th birthday: A tribute to the architect of modern Manipal

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the wider Manipal community on Tuesday (September 17, 2025) marked the 90th birthday of Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Ramdas Pai, Chancellor of MAHE and the architect of modern Manipal. A visionary leader in education and healthcare, Dr. Pai has been credited with transforming Manipal from a small town in Karnataka into a globally recognised hub for higher learning and medical services.

Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Health Enterprises, pays tribute to Dr. Pai, recalling his personal association with three generations of the Pai family and the profound influence Dr. Pai had on his career and on the growth of Manipal.

Here is Dr. Ballal’s tribute:

“It gives me great pleasure, along with millions of other well-wishers, to celebrate the visionary, Padma Bhushan, architect of modern Manipal, Dr. Ramdas Pai’s 90th birthday.

On this auspicious occasion, we celebrate the life and times of a pioneering figure whose vision and relentless dedication have profoundly transformed Manipal into a beacon of education, healthcare, and innovation. Dr. Pai’s journey from an ambitious young man to one of India’s most respected educationalists and healthcare pioneers is a testament to his commitment to societal progress.

I have had the pleasure of being associated with three generations of the Pai family for over 50 years - first as a student at Kasturba Medical College under its founder, the visionary late Padma Shri Dr. T.M.A Pai; later as a young doctor under Padma Bhushan Dr. Ramdas Pai and his gracious wife Mrs. Vasanthi Pai; and most recently as a clinician working alongside his dynamic son, Dr. Ranjan Pai, who has nurtured one of the largest healthcare organisations in India, Manipal Health Enterprises.

It has been a great honour and privilege for me to work under Dr. Pai for the last few decades. After my return from the USA, I had an opportunity to set up my own hospital but declined, saying I would rather work for Dr. Pai than be my own boss. At Manipal Hospitals, I was given a free hand to set up the department with zero interference. I was never made to feel like an employee. There was no high-handedness or cronyism, which is so common in India. Dr. Pai sat alongside us in planning and problem-solving, sharing purpose as an astute leader who never compromised on quality or values. Everyone in the organisation was treated in the same benevolent way. This decision turned out to be a turning point in my life and career.

I rose through the ranks from Consultant in Nephrology to Director of the department and now Chairman of the hospital chain. Working under Dr. Pai was truly a privilege and an honour.

Dr. Pai envisioned establishing a centre of higher learning in Manipal, beginning with the modest Kasturba Medical College set up by his illustrious father, Dr. T.M.A Pai. He worked tirelessly to attract talent, resources, and infrastructure, ultimately founding the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Under his stewardship, MAHE evolved into a multidisciplinary university of eminence, offering courses ranging from medicine and engineering to liberal arts, with campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, and Antigua.

Beyond education, Dr. Pai revolutionised healthcare in Manipal and across India. In charge of Kasturba Medical College, he played a pivotal role in making quality healthcare accessible to many. The college became a model for medical education and healthcare in India. His pursuit of excellence also led to the establishment of numerous hospitals nationwide. He laid the foundation for private healthcare by setting up Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, which has now grown into one of the most respected and largest healthcare groups in the country.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Pai was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 for his distinguished service in education and healthcare.

As he celebrates his 90th birthday, Dr. Pai continues to inspire and lead by example. His vision of Manipal as a global educational hub and a model for integrated healthcare remains alive through the institutions he established and the lives he touched. His unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives encourages the next generation to dream bigger and work harder.

As we honour his contributions on this milestone, we reflect on the profound impact one individual can have on a community, a nation, and the world. His journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that with vision and determination, we can create a better tomorrow. Happy 90th birthday, sir!”