MGM College @75: Dr. TMA Pai’s vision surpassed, says Pejawara Seer

Udupi: MGM College, a pride of the region, has surpassed the vision of its founder Dr. TMA Pai, offering immense contributions to society, observed Sri Pejawara Math’s Sri Vishwaprasanna Thirtha Swamiji.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the college’s Amrita Mahotsava (Platinum Jubilee) held at Mudduanna Mantapa on Sunday, Swamiji expressed his blessings for the institution to flourish as an autonomous college in the future. He lauded the contributions of alumni, faculty, and principals in fields such as art, literature, music, and Yakshagana.

In his address, Dr. H.S. Ballal, President of the Academy of General Education (AGE) and Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, recalled how education was inaccessible to many, especially women, post-SSLC in 1949. He narrated the inspiring story of a girl funded by Dr. TMA Pai, who won a legal battle and went on to secure ranks in the Madras province. Highlighting Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India by 2047, he emphasized the need for skill development alongside education and mentioned the establishment of a skill development center by the college.

Dr. M.D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, assured continued support from the university for the college to grow as an autonomous institution and expand its services further.

The event was presided over by MGM College Trust Chairman T. Satish U. Pai. Other dignitaries, including MAHE Pro-Chancellor Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, AGE Secretary B.P. Varadaraya Pai, MGM Evening College Principal Dr. Devidas Naik, and MGM Pre-University College Principal Malathi Devi, extended their best wishes.

Honor and Recognitions

Former Principal Prof. Shreesha Acharya was felicitated during the ceremony. Key figures such as T. Ranga Pai, Director of the T. Mohandas Pai Skill Development Center, and Dr. B. Jagadeesh Shetty, Administrator of the Govinda Pai Research Center, were present. Alumni Association President Prof. Surendranath Shetty and PTA representatives Vinayak Kini and Vijay Sequeira also attended.

Program Highlights

Principal Prof. Lakshminarayana Karanth delivered the welcome address. Lecturers Suchith Kotian and Rohini Naik coordinated the program, while Dr. Vishwanath Pai, Head of the Computer Science Department, proposed the vote of thanks.