“A University should be a place of light, liberty, and learning. “
~ Benjamin Disraeli
The Indian education sector has witnessed a paradigm shift over the last few years. The erstwhile focus has shifted from rote learning to a knowledge-oriented education system that works for the holistic development of students. The practice has been exceptionally advantageous in boosting education at par with international groups.
Some organisations have struck a chord beautifully with the modern needs of education with the excellent quality, state-of-the-art research facilities, affordability, financial aid opportunities, and campus hiring. SRM University – One of the top-ranking universities in India, it has been acknowledged to impart an excellent learning experience where students get the freedom to take wings.
With the creative vision of Dr. T. R. Pachamuthu, an Educationalist, Philanthropist, and Industrialist, SRM is a premier organisation making a constructive transformation in the lives of young aspirants by imparting top-notch technical and value-based education to over 60,000 students, as per the global standards, with the state-of-the-art infrastructure.
SRM Group was incorporated with a humble beginning in 1968 by Dr. T. R. Pachamuthu. He laid the solid foundation for the Group, and his son Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu broadened his father’s vision of ethical practice with the further expansion from an educational institute to the most extensive portfolio of academic institutions in South India.
While striving towards being the center of excellence to enhance students’ knowledge, SRM Group of Educational institutions offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in six streams – Engineering & Technology, Management, Medicine & Health Sciences, Science & Humanities, Law, and Agricultural Sciences.
SRM Group evolved from an educational institute to a business empire with the most extensive portfolio of Institutions across India. Now the group has a diversified presence in Healthcare – SIMS hospitals, Hospitality – SRM Group of hotels, Transport – SRMPR Auto manufacturing Pvt Ltd, and Media – Trac Media.
Spanning over four decades, SRM University has been accredited by NAAC with the Highest ‘A++’ Grade. Its courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Ministry of HRD, and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Academically, the institute is walking through the glorious path and has become a preferred destination for top recruiters across India. The students can bag offers from reputed companies with attractive salary packages and profiles per their expectations.
It is remarkable to see the institution reach the 35th position nationwide under Universities Category by NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework).
Working on its vision to emerge as a World – Class University, SRM offers students a unique learning experience, having campuses across – Kattankulathur, Ramapuram, and Vadapalani Campus – all in and around Chennai, and Modinagar, NCR, Delhi. It believes in educating, enhancing, and empowering the modern generation to face tomorrow’s challenges and be front-runners in the employment market. Here, 70% of students are from outside Tamil Nadu, with students from the USA, Europe, China, and other countries.
The Lightening Guide behind the BRAND
Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu (Chairman of SRM Group)
One of the gems shining in the Indian education ecosystem, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu is leading the strategic growth with the visionary acumen of the group. At present, he is also designated as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of SRM University, Chennai, and the Chancellor of SRM University, Delhi NCR.
An educationist, a dynamic business leader, and a social activist, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu is one of those few visionaries who could create an indelible mark in the education segment and lead the diversification of businesses into successful ventures. He takes responsibility for SRM Groups’ corporate functions, including finance, strategy management, business planning, optimisation of resources, and innovation.
Ambitious, Ambidextrous, and Apprentice – the 3 As describe him best. With his strong passion for the Hospitality Industry, Dr. Ravi has spearheaded the Group to set up four hotels of distinct categories at various locations in Tamil Nadu. He has successfully built the SRM hotel chain on the foundation of quality, dedicated service, and a focus on delivering sustainable growth.
Because of his outstanding contribution to society, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu has been conferred with ‘Dharma Darana’ award by ‘Sudesi, a renowned global publication. Moreover, he has successfully addressed various Seminars and Conferences, and contributed articles on topics relating to medical care, Education, and Hospitality Management throughout his journey.
Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu is highlighted as inspired by the honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and his father, Dr. T.R. Pachamuthu.
Hurdles on the Way
Developments and challenges are two sides of a coin! If you want your business to flourish, you will have to go through specific challenges. There were several challenges and roadblocks for SRM Group as well.
“ In the initial phase, understanding SRM’s offerings and accepting the concept was a huge problem. We handled all the challenges sportively and sailed together with the right set of people on our side,”
Dr. Ravi proudly shared.
Dr. Ravi proudly shared. “Every challenge has been a unique learning experience. Learning never stops in our business. These are the ideologies of our Group.”
he further added.
Expansion in other Business Segments
For the past 30 years, SRM has been actively involved in setting up other group ventures, including Healthcare, Hospitality, Transport, Auto tech, Media, and Construction. SRM entered the Hospitality Business in 1995; SRM Transport started in 1999; in 2012, the foundation of SIMS Multi-Specialty Hospitals in Chennai was laid; the SRMPR Auto Manufacturing Pvt Ltd started in 2013; in 2014, Trac Media was launched.
- Hotels: After its entrance into hospitality, the Group set up four hotels of different categories at various locations in Tamil Nadu. With the significant focus on quality, dedicated service, and sustainable growth, this segment has grown well with 750+ employees’ strength.
- Cement: Hemadri Cements Ltd. was established at Jaggayyapet in Andhra Pradesh in March 1985, when the SRM group entered the cement industry. The cement manufactured by the unit surpasses all the stringent quality control parameters set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (B.I. S) and the Research & Consultancy Directorate.
- Civil Works: Shri Ravi set foot in the SRM Civil Works in 1998. This initiative is engaged in producing ready-mix concrete used for construction activities and others.
- SRMPR Auto Manufacturing Pvt Ltd: Another renowned establishment started by Dr. Ravi in the year 2013, located at Kandigai, Chennai, manufactures state-of-art, technologically enabled buses, and Caravans at affordable prices.
- Trac Media Pvt. Ltd.: In 2014, a media company called Trac Media was started under the umbrella of the SRM group. The media segment runs a successful general entertainment TV channel in the name of Vendhar TV that telecasts regular news updates and entertainment.
- SRM Transport: Another venture where SRM is creating its indelible mark is SRM Transports Private Limited. Established in 1999, the segment has a fleet of over 120 buses plying across the five southern states and about 30 car carriers, mini buses, bulkers, Speed Parcel Carriers, and tourist cabs.
- These are some primary industry verticals where the SRM Group grows successfully while having an education at its core. For the future, it is now looking for new business opportunities to serve the people.
Significant Business Practices under SRM Group
Talking about the business practices at SRM group, the visionary apprised,
“People can truly work wonders for a business to flourish. Having the right set of people working on the right opportunity at the right time is one of the best practices we have in the group. We believe in their capabilities and offer them opportunities to grow. Another best practice we have imbibed is the sense or aspiration to serve the nation by creating employability and offering world-class education.”
Core Principles and Values – SRM’s Main Strength
SRM strives to be a service-oriented group. Hence, their core ideology is in the space of education, hospitality, entertainment, and healthcare. They will not enter any vertical/industry with pure commercial intentions. They will continue to set new benchmarks in the education sector, as it is key to increasing the employability of future talent.
SRM’s Insights on Innovation and Market Trends
Innovation has been a critical driving force behind the continuous growth of SRM in different industry verticals. They believe in the age-old saying that necessity is the mother of all inventions and try to devise innovative solutions to resolve current issues.
The team keeps its eyes on the latest market trends and analyses them through traditional media and other new-age media for information. Based on that, they make changes and evolve their strategies by including the latest trends. Moreover, the team also focuses on the market and observes every movement. This has helped strengthen their goals as well.
“Without harnessing the power of technology, no business can survive in today’s world. We have the right IT/Tech infrastructure to enable our employees to work to their fullest potential,” mentioned Dr. Ravi.
Feathers in the SRM’s Cap
In recognition and appreciation for their contributions to the Education, Hospitality, and Health field, the SRM Group and its leaders have bagged various laurels, awards, and recognitions. A few of them are listed below –
- Shri Ravi Pachamuthu has been honoured with the “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2021” by the Rotary Club of the Maraimalar Nagar.
- He has been recognized with “The Lifetime Achievement Award in Medicine for a Lifelong Commitment to Build Better Healthcare & Innovation in Heath Tech Through leadership, Sustainability, Ethics, and Corporate Governance” by The World Tamil Organization (UK) and its partner organisations.
- He has received the Edupreneurs award for “The Positive Contribution to Education in Tamilnadu” for 2012, 2013, and 2014 from the Times of India.
- For his contribution to society, he has recently been conferred the “Dharma Dharana” award by ‘Sudesi,’ a leading international magazine.
- He has been recognised with the “Education Excellence Award 2012” conferred by Brands Academy.
Moving Forward, All Corners of the Society
As a promise to cater to all sections of society, the SRM Group provides fee waivers up to Rs. 30 crores every year to deserving and needy students. Parallel to this project, it is also working towards serving local people and uplifting poor students through education. It has adopted villages as per its CSR norms and worked for their betterment. At SIMS hospital, they bear ten crores worth of surgeries annually for needy people.
