Shanmugam
“Leaders are born or leaders are made “, this has always been a topic of endless discussion and in the case of Dr. A.C. Shanmugam, this holds good in both ways. A born leader, who has been an inspiring persona, has made a tremendous impact in the field of education and social responsiveness.
“A long, great journey always starts with a small step.”
The Beginning of a Journey
Born in a
family of businessmen and agriculturists, he had a remarkable student life, a distinguished political career, a great run as a legislator. He was an astute parliamentarian, a committed businessman, and a thriving Industrialist, and is now a devoted Educational Intellectual.
“Leadership is the capacity to turn the vision into reality.”
Dr. Shanmugam showed glimpses of his leadership skills while he was studying itself. Endowed with remarkable communication skills, he stood out as a college union chairman and also represented the college at various inter-collegiate and intra- collegiate competitions bringing laurels to his college. Motivated and inspired by Bharat Ratna Dr. M.G. Ramachandran, Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Shanmugam became a constituent Member of Legislator Assembly, Arni (1980-84) and arose to the level of Member of Parliamentary (Lok Sabah, from Vellore Constituency) (1984-89). In recently held 2014 Parliamentary Elections he contested as a B.J.P. Candidate in Lotus Symbol as a Member of NDA (New Justice Party – Leader) in Vellore Parliamentary Constituency but unfortunately lost in a meager margin of votes.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
He was a self-motivated politician, who took interest in organizing camps and courses on self-discipline trying to reach out to the youth. As a member of the Legislative Assembly, he evolved strategic policies and missions for the welfare of humanity and as an incisive parliamentarian, representing the Lok Sabah and in the capacity as Parliamentary Secretary. Needless to add, he came out with flying colors in his political career as well. He formulated several innovative projects for the upliftment of rural and urban folks alike and the main thrust was on reforms in the social arena. He was a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee, Estimate Committee, Public Undertaking Committee, House Committee and held many other important portfolios. He has gone on an invitation to various countries like Japan, the US, UK, etc., sharing his knowledge and expertise.
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." Various Facets of his personality:
i. An Industrialist par excellence :
He has been instrumental in setting up various industries and factories, thus generating a lot of employment opportunities in his hometown and in the nearby villages. A Visionary Educationist
Dr. Shanmugam founded 3 Charitable and Educational Trusts at Chennai, Arni, and Bangalore and is the driving force behind setting up the following educational institutions.
A separate Deemed to be University in the name and true spirit of Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University was started by him and is functioning at Chennai under his Chancellorship offering courses relating to Engineering & Technology, Medicine, Dental Surgery, Architecture, Humanities and Sciences, Arts & Commerce, Management Studies, Computer Applications, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, Education and Hotel Management Culinary Arts & Aviation Management at UG / PG and Doctorate levels.
A full-fledged Medical and Dental Colleges with hospitals are functioning at Bangalore. Both these are acknowledged as premier medical institutions in the country today.
A well equipped Dental College is functioning in Chennai under the aegis of Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Deemed to be University.
A sophisticated, super-specialty hospital has been in existence in the name of ACS Medical College and Hospital catering to the health care needs of the community in and around Chennai.
He also has the distinction of running various Para Medical Courses at Chennai and Bangalore. A Decisive International Thespian
Dr. A.C. Shanmugam as Founder Chancellor of the
Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute Deemed to be University has entered into MoUs with 45 foreign universities, viz., the University of Sunderland, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, University of Birmingham, University of Wolverhampton, University of Adelaide, University of Farleigh Dickenson, University of Brunel, University of Dundee, University of Sussex, Virginia Tech University and Teesside University.
International Medical Sciences Academy, an international body with fellows and members from various countries including several Nobel laureates, has conferred Dr. A.C.Shanmugam, with an Honorary Fellowship at a special convocation for the same that was held at the Gulf Medical University Campus. This was awarded in recognition of his service to the medical, dental, and allied sciences fields by establishing institutions in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This fellowship was the first of its kind in the sense that it was awarded to an Educationist for his outstanding contribution.
Dr. A. Shanmugam has been conferred with the Honorary Fellowship (FRCPS) by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the U.K., a rare distinction meant only for distinguished Medical Professionals and Scientists. This is a true validation of the services rendered by Dr. A.C. Shanmugam in the field of Education and Healthcare Services. In fact, he is only the 2nd Indian after Late President of India Sri K.R. Narayanan, to receive this Honour from the Non- Medical fraternity. In the 400-year-old History of the prestigious Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, this award has been conferred on only a handful of Non-Medical personalities. As a Philanthropist
In his native place, he is catering to 100 economically weaker students with free education right from school to P.G studies.
He has also built a marriage choultry with all facilities given free to the marriage parties.
Every year about 2000 students are given merit scholarships. In a Nutshell
His acumen as a leader, as a renowned statesman, as a far-sighted thinker and as a social reformer, and as a sagacious educationist, has made Dr. A.C. Shanmugam, a human being committed and caring, endears himself to the causes close to his heart like education, upliftment of the downtrodden, healthcare services to the needy. He has personified dignity and humility, carving a niche for himself with his perennial concern for humanity.
