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Dr. TMA Pai was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the Indian education system. Born in an ordinary family in 1898 in Brahmavara, Udupi district, Dr. Pai was a brilliant student who pursued his education with great determination and diligence. His far-reaching vision and commitment to inclusive growth led to the establishment of world-class educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and financial organizations that transformed the lives of millions of people.
Dr. Pai’s early life was marked by struggles and hardships. After his father’s untimely death, his mother Yashoda moved the family to Kallianpur, where she raised her children and instilled in them the values of hard work and determination.
His dedication to his studies and his desire to help others led Dr Pai to start fundraising for his school when it was about to close down. He then moved to Madras to pursue his MBBS education and had an opportunity to earn a lucrative salary in Hong Kong. However, he was convinced by his mother to stay in India and use his knowledge for the benefit of the local community.
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Dr. Pai’s commitment to financial inclusion and his belief that everyone should have access to banking services led him to establish several more banks and insurance companies, including Karnataka Bank and the Oriental Insurance Company.
Dr. Pai’s contributions to the Indian education system are unparalleled. He established the Kasturba Medical College in Manipal in 1953, the first non-missionary private medical college in the country. He also founded several other educational institutions, including the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, the Manipal Institute of Technology, and the Manipal College of Dental Sciences. These institutions are now a hub of higher education for students from over 50 countries, offering world-class education and research opportunities.
His commitment to social responsibility and his belief that education should be accessible to all led Dr Pai to establish several hospitals and healthcare facilities. He believed that healthcare should be affordable and accessible to all, and his institutions have played a critical role in promoting public health in India.
Dr. Pai’s vision for a better India was not limited to education and healthcare alone. He believed in the principles of self-interest, country interest, and inclusive growth. He believed that individuals should be motivated by their own self-interest, but that their interest should align with the interest of the organization and the country.
For Dr Pai patriotism was not based on sacrifice alone, but on the recognition of ‘kartavya karma’, or duty-bound action. His conduct was a concrete example of patriotism, based on his commitment to the welfare of the country and its people.