Administration

Dr K. Ramnarayan was the fifth Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) from 2010 to 2015. After completing his tenure as Vice Chancellor, he was Vice President - Faculty Development, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Chairperson, Manipal University Jaipur before taking up the responsibility of Pro Chancellor-Sikkim Manipal University. In addition, he is the National Coordinator DTH (Direct to Home) SWAYAM Prabha for Medicine Content Development.

He has been with the Manipal group for over four decades in different academic and leadership positions. His experience and expertise are in higher education, academic leadership and curriculum development. During his stint as the Vice Chancellor of MAHE, the focus was on strengthening the academic processes in the university, be it the functioning of the Senate and the Boards of Studies or the enrichment of the curriculum. Various people empowerment initiatives were launched such as SMILE (Synergic Manipal Integrated Leadership Engagement) programme to nurture future leaders, leadership programmes for the Heads of Institutions and Heads of the Departments. As the first Chairman of the Manipal Education System Vice Chancellors Council (MESVCC) he created a vibrant forum for inter-campus deliberations and set in place the norms for sharing the best practices among the Manipal group institutions. He was instrumental in establishing of MU-FAIMER Leadership International Institute for Interprofessional Education. He established the Manipal Centre for Professional & Personal Development (MCPD) for the in-service training of academic and non-academic staff of the university. He has conducted pedagogic and personal effectiveness workshops for faculty in the Manipal group campuses in Jaipur, Sikkim, Melaka and Dubai, apart from those for the Indian Society of Periodontology and the National Institute for Advanced Studies in Architecture.

In the process of enhancing education and research, he has steered the implementation of the Dr. T.M.A. Pai Endowment Chairs and full time PhD scholarships, reframed the research incentive policy and set up the portal for e-prints (repository for research publications). The Centres of Excellence in Philosophy & Humanities and Natural Sciences, the Research Directorate in MAHE were ushered in during his tenure. The renovation of Manipal Museum of Anatomy & Pathology was a project he was deeply involved in. MAHE’s rankings (85th in BRICS countries, 186th in Asia, 1st among private deemed universities in India) were offshoots of his relentless efforts to get more visibility for the university.

Dr Ramnarayan is an MBBS from Stanley Medical College, Chennai and an MD (Pathology) from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. He also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He was one of the early recipients of the ECFMG Foreign Faculty Fellowship in Basic Sciences, which initiated him into medical education in the US. He was subsequently awarded the Short-Term Exchange Fellowship in academic leadership by the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), USA. He was the first Dean of the unique Melaka Manipal twin campus MBBS programme with Malaysia. He has conducted over 600 faculty development workshops, nationally and internationally, over the past 30 years. He was a member of the UGC Expert Committee to review regulations for deemed universities and private universities. He was the recipient of the Bloomberg UTV Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education. He has guided several PhD students and has over 100 research publications, most of them pertaining to higher education. He has been an International Advisor for six successive editions of Underwood's textbook of Pathology. An academician to the core, he enjoys teaching and is passionate about people empowerment and mentoring.

'Technology should supplement, not supplant the living, loving teacher,’ he says.

His comfort with ever-evolving methods of pedagogy is characteristic of Dr.Ramnarayan: he constantly examines how teaching can be improved, how teachers can continue to hold the attention of students in a hyper-connected world, and how teachers can cause more learning to happen.

GANGTOK, 20 June 2025: Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gopalakrishna Prabhu as its new Vice Chancellor, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Prabhu succeeds Air Vice Marshal Dr. Dilip Chandra Agarwal, VSM, who completed his distinguished tenure on June 30, 2025.

Widely respected in academic and administrative circles, Dr. Gopalakrishna Prabhu—popularly known as Dr. G. K. Prabhu—brings with him a formidable track record of over three decades in higher education. He most recently served as the Chief Academic Officer at the Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), Bengaluru, where he played a crucial role in shaping academic strategy and quality across institutions under the Manipal umbrella.

A native of Karkala in Karnataka, Dr. Prabhu began his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from BIET (Mysore University), followed by an M.Tech in Biomedical Engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), where he graduated top of his class at Mangalore University. He further earned a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, strengthening his academic foundation in interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Dr. Prabhu’s professional journey began in 1989 as a lecturer in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at MIT, Manipal. Over the years, he rose steadily through the academic and administrative ranks—serving as Head of Biomedical Engineering, Associate Director (R&D), and Director of MIT.

His leadership was instrumental in strengthening MIT’s research culture, industry partnerships, and academic reputation.

At the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a deemed university of international repute, Dr. Prabhu held key roles as Deputy Registrar (Technical), Registrar, and later, Pro Vice Chancellor (Technical and Administration), where he was responsible for major institutional reforms, digital transformation, and capacity building.

In 2018, he was appointed President (Vice Chancellor) of Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), where his visionary leadership propelled the institution to achieve NAAC A+ accreditation. He also oversaw the launch of online degree programs, significant growth in student enrolment, improvement in faculty training, and expansion of academic and residential infrastructure. His contributions were recognized through the “Education Excellence Award” by the Governor of Rajasthan and the “Pride of Rajasthan” honour by the Chief Minister.

An accomplished researcher and a committed educator, Dr. Prabhu is widely admired for his innovative pedagogy and student-centric leadership. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and received the prestigious “Shri Shyam Lal Saxena Memorial Award” from the National Academy of Medical Sciences in 2007 for his research contributions.

His illustrious career, along with his deep commitment to institutional development, has positioned him as a thought leader in interdisciplinary education and translational research.

The university expressed deep appreciation for outgoing Vice Chancellor AVM Dr. D. C. Agarwal, VSM, for his unwavering commitment and transformative leadership during his tenure.

The SMU community looks forward to Dr. Prabhu’s stewardship in strengthening its legacy of academic excellence, research innovation, and inclusive development.

GANGTOK, 30 June 2025: Eminent gynaecologist and academician, Dr. Muralidhar V. Pai, MD, FRCOG, FICOG, FKCOG, FICMCH, has been appointed as the new Pro Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). He will continue to serve as Dean of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), a post he has held since July 1, 2021.

Dr. Pai is widely respected for his distinguished contributions to obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as for his leadership in medical education. Prior to joining SMIMS, he served as Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Notably, he was also the Founder-Medical Superintendent of the Central Referral Hospital (CRH), Tadong, in 1997.

An alumnus of KMC, Manipal, Dr. Pai completed his MBBS in 1985 from KMC Hubballi, followed by a DGO in 1988 and MD (Ob/Gyn) in 1989. He joined KMC Manipal as faculty in July 1989 and held various leadership roles including Deputy Director (Planning), MAHE; Professor and Head at Melaka Manipal Medical College, Malaysia; and Head of Department, OBG, KMC Manipal until April 2021.

His academic credentials are reinforced by his role as an examiner for MBBS, DGO, MD/MS, DNB, FNB, MCh, and PhD examinations at national and international universities. He has also served on academic bodies including MAHE’s Board of Studies and the PG Curriculum Committee of RGUHS, Karnataka.

Dr. Pai was conferred Honorary FRCOG by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London in 2023. He is a multiple awardee, having won the Best Teacher Award ten times and prestigious FOGSI research awards.

He has authored three major textbooks—Holland and Brews Manual of Obstetrics, Jeffcoate’s Principles of Gynaecology, and Obstetrics & Gynecology PMFU—and published over 200 research articles. He has delivered more than 850 lectures globally and received several international fellowships and training in countries including the USA, UK, Germany, and Singapore.

At SMIMS, Dr. Pai has overseen major institutional advancements: NMC recognition, UG seat increase, PG program expansion, new allied health programs, and accreditation drives. His leadership has also emphasized digital transformation, strategic planning, and faculty development.

Dr. Pai is married to Dr. Keerthilatha M. Pai, Controller of Examinations at SMU and former Dean of Manipal College of Dental Sciences.

His appointment as Pro Vice Chancellor is expected to reinforce SMU’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and research-led growth.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Muralidhar V. Pai, MD, FRCOG, FICOG, FKCOG, FICMCH — eminent gynaecologist, academician, and compassionate leader — has been appointed as the new Pro Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU).

He will continue to serve as the Dean of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), a position he has held since July 1, 2021.

Beyond his academic brilliance, Dr. Pai is known for his warmth, humility, and vibrant passions — a soulful singer and avid photographer who inspires many both inside and outside the classroom.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Muralidhar V Pai Pai on his well-deserved appointment as Pro Vice Chancellor, SMU!
#SMU #SMIMS #Leadership #MedicalEducation #Inspiration #DrMuralidharPai

Prof. Sherpa obtained his B.E in Electrical Engineering from MNIT, Jaipur and did his M.Tech in (Machine Drives & Power Electronics) from IIT-Kharagpur. After his M.Tech, he completed his PhD from Sikkim Manipal University.

Prof. Sherpa started his career with SMIT in the year 1999 and subsequently he has shouldered various responsibilities like Chairman (Admissions), Head of the Department (Electrical & Electronics Engineering) and Additional Registrar (SMIT). Before taking over the new assignment as Registrar-SMU, he was Head of the Department (Electrical & Electronics Engineering) and Associate Director (Research & Development), SMIT. His contribution is highly valued especially in the areas of Research and Development and he would be an asset to SMU keeping in mind his interest in R&D.

Prof. Sherpa has a small family and is married to Ms. Lucky Wangmu Bhutia who is serving in Government of Sikkim and has a school going son.

Prof. Sherpa is an ardent reader and also loves to listen to Music and play Football during his free time.

SV Ravi Sankar is the Finance Officer of Sikkim Manipal University, with over 27 years of experience in finance and leadership. Experienced CFO with proven record of establishing cross-functional partnerships to deliver stellar results. Professionally qualified CMA with Post Graduate academic qualifications in Taxation, Marketing etc and presently working as Head of Finance and Accounts in Sikkim Manipal university, Gangtok with an experience of more than 27 years in various industries - NBFC, Housing, Infrastructure, Marine, Education, Hospital/Health etc.