MAHE celebrates ‘Institution of Eminence’ tag

The decision to pick Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, as an “Institute of Eminence” was received with jubilation here in the University.

From the chancellor to the students, waiting with bated breath for the announcement by the University Grants Commission, all broke into celebrations on getting the news from a tweet from the Union HRD Minister Prakash Javedekar on Monday morning. MAHE is ranked highest among private Indian universities in the QS Ranking. It was indeed a Red-Letter Day for the University.

Chancellor Dr Ramdas M Pai was extremely happy with the Union HRD Ministry’s decision to select Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, as an Institute of Eminence. “The status thus acquired will serve as an inspiration for us to move forward with greater confidence and resolve to raise the standard of teaching and research to higher levels,” he said and added, “This development is a stepping stone for our University to earn the prestige of being one of the top 200 universities in the world. We will direct our efforts to achieve this distinction and live up to the expectations of the government of India.”

Welcoming the move to provide the special status to the University, pro-chancellor Dr H S Ballal said that despite India being the third largest education provider in the world, our universities are dismally placed in the world rankings. "I am glad that the HRD ministry has recognized our potential. It is a great moment, a great opportunity. We will grab the opportunity with both hands and work to ensure that we figure among the top 200 in the world in the time to come”.

Vice-chancellor Dr H Vinod Bhat’s joy knew no bounds. He said that it is a defining moment for MAHE in its 25th year.

Even an NRI student, who will be joining the MBBS course beginning August 1, was overjoyed. “I have chosen KMC Manipal for three reasons after considerable research,” said Sreeya Kilambi. “The emphasis on classroom education along with hands-on experience is truly good. The health sciences library is considered to be the best and the biggest in Asia, and KMC Manipal leaping seven ranks from 11th to the fourth was sort of the decider for me. Personally, I consider KMC Manipal to be the Harvard of Medical Schools in India,” said Sreeya.

“Delighted to learn that Manipal Academy of Higher Education has been given the status of 'Institute Of Eminence'. This is truly a well-deserved recognition for the outstanding calibre of higher education that the University has been imparting over the years and a tribute to the vision of its founder Dr TMA Pai,” said an alumnus of the University, Banmali Agrawala, president, Infrastructure And Defence & Aerospace, Tata Sons Limited.

Another alumnus, Sandeep Maini, chairman, Maini Group, who was thrilled to hear the news commented, “It’s an extremely proud achievement for the University to have gained the recognition of the 'Institution of Eminence'. As an alumnus of this prestigious institution, which has shaped my life and career, it’s a matter of personal pride as well.”