Dr. M.R. Jayaram is the Chairman of Gokula Education Foundation (GEF) and also trustee of Ramaiah Technology Business Incubator. He is the eldest son of Dr. M.S. Ramaiah, one of the legendary philanthropists and educationists of Karnataka. Born in 1947, Dr. Jayaram had his education in Bangalore city and graduated in commerce. Since his young age, he showed a lot of interest in managing educational institutions and supporting his father in all development activities.
In 1972, at the tender age of 25, Dr. Jayaram took on the responsibility of Chairman of the Governing Council (now the GB) of M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT). His acumen and managerial capabilities brought laurels to the institute, which has become widely known as a premier institute in engineering education. After seven years, in 1979, when M.S. Ramaiah Medical College (MSRMC) was established, he assumed the office of the Chairman of the Governing Council for this college. He led these institutions to become very strong in postgraduate education and research, apart from acquiring a great name in undergraduate education.
Dr. M.R. Jayaram has been responsible for placing these institutions among the top 25 institutions in the country in their respective fields. Today, GEF has established 18 colleges/schools on its 85-acre Gnanagangothri Campus. The Schools include engineering, medicine, nursing, dental, law, management, etc., with more than 11,000 students on the campus comprising students from all over India and abroad. It has been his determination and sustained effort that has made each of these institutions a ‘Centre of Excellence’. After the demise of his father, he created a superspeciality hospital in memory of his father, and this hospital has become a pride of Bangalore today. The MSR School of Advanced Studies is also his creation.
Dr. M.R. Jayaram is not only an educationist, but also a businessman and industrialist of repute. Recently he consolidated all his businesses and brought them under one name called “Valdel Corporation”. Valdel is into Engineering construction, engineering design, Retail, BPO and host of other businesses. He is also into community development and philanthropy. He is the Dharmadhikari (head) of Kaiwara Kshetra, a centre for religious activities located around 60 km away from Bangalore. This Kshetra is into rejuvenation of old temples in and around Kaiwara, providing health and education to the villagers around Kaiwara, daily feeding the poor and needy, conducting annual mass marriages and many such socially relevant activities.
Dr. M.R. Jayaram is the Managing Trustee of M.S. Ramaiah Charities Trust, which has a number of well-defined social objectives. The Trust awards scholarships annually to the financially backward meritorious candidates for pursuing higher education. He was also into politics for a short stint and was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka State. Dr. Jayaram is also associated with professional associations. Presently, he is Honorary Secretary, Karnataka Private Medical & Dental Colleges Association; Honorary Secretary, Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association; Vice Chairman, Consortium of Medical, Engineering & Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMED K). In November 2006, Dr. M.R. Jayaram was awarded Honorary Doctorate by Coventry University, UK for his contribution to education and business.
The visionary leadership of the Chairman in establishing the Ramaiah Skill Academy reflects a profound commitment to creating a highly trained and future-ready workforce for the nation. Aligned with the Government’s initiatives such as Skill India and Make in India, the academy aims to bridge the gap between industry demands and workforce capabilities. The academy aspires to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge essential for driving national progress and global competitiveness.