A message from Dr. Umayal Ramanathan
It is with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate the enduring legacy of our beloved founder, Padma Bhushan Dr. R.M. Alagappa Chettiar. What began as one man's passionate commitment to education has blossomed into an extraordinary movement that has seen more than 30 lakh students graduate from the institutions bearing his name.
After the premature death of Dr. Alagappa Chettiar at the young age of 48, his daughter Mrs. Umayal Ramanathan assumed the management of the educational institutions. Under her stewardship, the institutions not only survived but thrived, growing in stature and reach with each passing decade.
In a landmark act of generosity in 1968, 450 acres of land along with the colleges were donated to the Government of Tamil Nadu. This visionary decision laid the foundation for the establishment of Alagappa University in 1985, a proud milestone that elevated the founder's dream to the level of a state university.
Today, Alagappa University stands as a beacon of academic excellence with 14 departments offering Postgraduate, M.Phil, and Ph.D. programmes across diverse disciplines. The University's Directorate of Distance Education, operational since 1992, has further expanded access to higher education, reaching students in every corner of the state and beyond.
The remaining institutions continue to operate under the aegis of the Dr. Alagappa Chettiar Educational Trust and the Asoka Charitable Trust, upholding the values of excellence, service, and integrity that our founder held dear.
We remain committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and responsible citizens, staying true to the vision that has guided us for over seven decades.
Dr. Umayal Ramanathan
Secretary, Alagappa Educational Trust
