We select students only on merit: Ramdas M Pai

Interview with President and chancellor, Manipal University

Manipal University recently saw two of its alumni - Satya Nadella and Rajeev Suri - take up top jobs at Microsoft and Nokia, respectively. In an email interview, the university's president and chancellor Ramdas M Pai explains to Itika Sharma Punit what it means for the university and Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT). Edited excerpts:

What are your thoughts on the recent success of two of your alumni?

I have immense satisfaction that the facilities we have provided for students in our institutions are being well utilised by the students. We know the two alumni who have recently shot into international fame had put in a lot of hard work in their student days here and, hence, could attain such a status. Even at the stage of our admissions, we select students only on merit, and this has naturally contributed to the success of the students.

What is MIT's contribution to the success of its alumni?

MIT provides all the facilities and necessary atmosphere to the students to study well with the guidance and stimulation provided by the faculty. MIT takes pleasure that its contribution in shaping the students has been worthwhile.

Has the institute seen a surge in the number of applications for admission this year?

We have not seen any unusual surge in the number of applications but the institution has been able to be recognised as one of the best in the country in the private sector.

How did the faculty and students react to Nadella and Suri's success?

The mood of the MIT faculty and students is naturally upbeat when their alumni have been able to rise to such positions. We have not had any internal celebrations to mark the achievements of the two alumni as yet.

Has the university contacted Nadella or Suri? Do you plan to facilitate the two?

Manipal University has contacted both of them and congratulated them on their success. They have also responded expressing their gratitude to the institution. We are planning to honour them with our University Honorary Doctorate and Distinguished Alumni Awards during their next visit to Manipal, and also provide them an opportunity to speak with the current students.

There is a buzz that the college might increase fees as the demand for admission rises?

The revision of fees does not depend on the rush for admissions. It depends on the cost of education. If the running cost of the institution goes up, naturally, the fees will have to be revised. The fee fixation is done by a committee according to the direction of the University Grants Commission.