FICCI honours MAHE Chancellor Dr Ramdas M. Pai with Institution Builder Award

Dr Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has been conferred the FICCI Legendary Institution Builder Award 2026, according to Press Network of India. The award recognises his contribution to education, healthcare and institution building.

Former Union Minister Shri Murli Manohar Joshi presented the award at the 12th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards, held during the 21st FICCI Higher Education Summit in New Delhi. Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, accepted it on behalf of Dr Pai.

About the award

The award, given by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), recognises individuals whose vision and sustained leadership have created institutions of lasting national and global significance, according to the report.

Dr Pai is a Padma Bhushan awardee. MAHE, which he heads as Chancellor, is described as an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University.

Dr Pai's work

According to Press Network of India, Dr Pai's institution-building journey is rooted in the vision of his father, Dr T M A Pai, who believed in the transformative power of education and healthcare. Dr Ramdas M. Pai began his professional career as Medical Director of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and went on to lead the expansion of the Manipal Group across academic disciplines, healthcare and international education.

Under his leadership, the Manipal educational ecosystem grew beyond India. The report lists institutions established in countries including:

• Nepal
• Malaysia
• the United Arab Emirates
• Antigua

His commitment to social development has also found expression through the Manipal Foundation. The foundation supports initiatives in education, healthcare, community development and assistance to underserved populations.

The university's view

Dr Sharath K. Rao said Dr Pai's legacy lies in "his vision of institution building as a means of creating lasting value for society." He added that the recognition is "a tribute to a vision whose impact extends well beyond individual institutions and continues to inspire future generations," according to Press Network of India.

The report adds that Dr Pai's work has helped strengthen Manipal's presence in India and internationally. It also says his work has advanced the role of education and healthcare in social development.

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