Leadership

A visionary leader with a distinguished career spanning 36 years in higher education (32 years at Manipal Academy of Higher Education – an Institute of Eminence and 4 years at Sikkim Manipal University), research, and institutional development. He has demonstrated excellence in academics, healthcare, administration, policy formulation, faculty development and student engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in driving curriculum innovation and development, promoting interdisciplinary research, and enhancing global collaborations. He possesses a strong commitment to academic distinction, institutional growth, and the holistic development of students and faculty. His tenure has been marked by successful NMC recognition of SMIMS, enhancement of UG seats from 100 to 150 with 100% admission, enhancement of Medical PG programs from 10 to 13 with 100% admission in clinical programs, starting of Bachelor of Allied Health Professions with 100% admission right from inception and Bachelor of Hospital Administration programs, NAAC, NABH, NABL accreditation processes, faculty recruitment, strategic resource management, and the implementation of progressive educational policies. I have also played a pivotal role in securing research grants and advancing digital transformation in higher education and processes in the institution. As a forward-thinking leader, he is dedicated to promoting an inclusive and research-driven academic environment that aligns with national and global educational standards. My vision for the role of Vice Chancellor is to steer SMU towards academic prominence, patient centric health care, research excellence, and social impact on people of Sikkim as well as India while upholding core values and mission of Manipal Education and Medical Group.

Brief Background

A visionary leader with a distinguished career spanning 36 years in higher education (32 years at Manipal Academy of Higher Education – an Institute of Eminence and 4 years at Sikkim Manipal University), research, and institutional development. He has demonstrated excellence in academics, healthcare, administration, policy formulation, faculty development and student engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in driving curriculum innovation and development, promoting interdisciplinary research, and enhancing global collaborations. He possesses a strong commitment to academic distinction, institutional growth, and the holistic development of students and faculty. His tenure has been marked by successful NMC recognition of SMIMS, enhancement of UG seats from 100 to 150 with 100% admission, enhancement of Medical PG programs from 10 to 13 with 100% admission in clinical programs, starting of Bachelor of Allied Health Professions with 100% admission right from inception and Bachelor of Hospital Administration programs, NAAC, NABH, NABL accreditation processes, faculty recruitment, strategic resource management, and the implementation of progressive educational policies. I have also played a pivotal role in securing research grants and advancing digital transformation in higher education and processes in the institution. As a forward-thinking leader, he is dedicated to promoting an inclusive and research-driven academic environment that aligns with national and global educational standards. My vision for the role of Vice Chancellor is to steer SMU towards academic prominence, patient centric health care, research excellence, and social impact on people of Sikkim as well as India while upholding core values and mission of Manipal Education and Medical Group.

Awards and Accolades

He was awarded Hon FRCOG by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists London UK for his contribution to the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He was the Best Out Going MD (OBG) Candidate in 1989 at KMC, Manipal and was the Topper in DGO at KMC in June 1987. In his illustrious Academic career, he has won Best Teacher Award 10 times, Best Teaching Material Award 5 times, FOGSI Corion Junor as well as Senior National Award for Best Research. Professor Pai has been an examiner for MBBS, DGO, MD/MS (Ob/Gyn), DNB (OBG), FNB & MCH (Reproductive Medicine and Surgery) and PhD since 1993 at National and International Universities.

Publications and Editorial boards

Professor Pai has authored 3 prestigious Textbooks namely Hollan and Brews Manual of Obstetrics (4th edn – Elsevier) which is recommended by National Medical Commission, Jeffcoate’s Principles of Gynaecology (10th edn – Jaypee Brothers) and Obstetrics & Gynecology PMFU (1st edn – Elsevier). Besides he has 200+ Publications in National and International peer reviewed journals. He has been National Corresponding Editor and Jury of Journal of OBG of India and continues to be the reviewer of it and several other Journals in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

National and International Orator

Professor Pai is a most popular orator. He is delivered more than 800 invited lectures, including 6 prestigious Orations at at National and International Conferences/CMEs/Workshops

International Fellowships

Professor Pai has received several International Traveling Fellowships for training in Infertility, Endoscopic Surgery and Oncology at UK, USA, Belgium, Germany and for presenting at conferences at Australia, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Dubai, Muscat, Bangladesh, Nepal.

Membership to Professional Societies and other Academic bodies

Professor Pai is a member of PG CBME Curriculum Development Committee of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Karnataka, Member of Board of Studies SRIHER Chennai and former Chairman of Board of Studies - Obstetrics & Gynecology MAHE (2016-21). He has also been the Chairman of Medical Education Committee, South Asia Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2020-22), RCOG Associate, London (2019-23), Governing Council Member of Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2016-21), and Founder Chairman of Karnataka College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (since 2021). He was the National Chairman of FOGSI Public Awareness Committee (2004) and President of Manipal OBG Society (2009-10, 2017-20).

Committee’s & Social Activities

Besides academics he has keen interest in cultural and literary activities and was the Chairman of Cultural Coordination Committee of MAHE (2010-15). He was the Chief Warden at MMMC Melaka campus, Malaysia (2004-07) and Warden of PG Hostels MAHE (1995-1997)

Family Tree

Professor Pai is married to Dr Keerthilatha M Pai who is currently the Controller of Examinations at Sikkim Manipal University, Sikkim and former Dean of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal. His daughter Dr Meghna A Nayak, also an Obstetrician & Gynecologist and Reproductive Medicine Specialist at Life Centre, NHS Newcastle, UK, married to Dr Arvind K Nayak, Consultant Robotic Urologist at James Cook University Hospital, NHS Middlesbrough UK.