Robin Sharma, a leading figure in leadership and the author of “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,” once remarked, “The great and glorious legacy of a human being is to live with purpose.” This philosophy deeply resonates with Adv Dr P Krishnadas, the driving force behind the renowned Nehru Group of Institutions. Adv Dr Krishnadas is not only continuing the illustrious legacy of his father, P K Das, who founded the Nehru Group in 1968, but is also forging ahead with a unique blend of traditional values and modern innovation. As he navigates the evolving landscape of education, his vision and purpose remain central to his leadership. In this exclusive interview, we explore the inspiring journey of this distinguished edupreneur and polyglot, uncovering his core principles, strategic approaches, and global impact as a pioneering educational leader.

Your father, the late P K Das, laid the foundation for the Nehru Group of Institutions. How has his vision influenced your leadership?

My father was a self-disciplined individual who, through his service in the Air Force, embodied the principles he espoused. He was sincere and hardworking, leading his team from the front with unwavering dedication. His visionary approach and guiding principles continue to inspire and motivate us. One of his greatest aspirations was to bring higher education to the grassroots. His vision has profoundly influenced my leadership style and continues to guide me forward.

What are the core values that guide your decision-making process as the Chairman of the Nehru Group of Institutions?

My core values centre around a deep commitment to teamwork, making decisive and proactive choices, and relying on core competencies. I firmly believe that collaboration and collective effort drive success, and I prioritise making informed decisions with foresight and conviction. Additionally, I focus on leveraging core strengths and expertise to achieve optimal outcomes and drive progress.

The Nehru Group has grown significantly over the years, with institutions spanning various
disciplines. What strategies do you employ to maintain educational excellence across such a diverse portfolio?

The Nehru Group of Institutions is committed to upholding the highest quality standards through stringent accreditations and the implementation of relevant courses and programs. Our primary goal is to boost students’ employability by honing their skills and supporting their comprehensive personal development.

How do you see the role of digital transformation in your institutions?

While we enthusiastically embrace digital transformation, our institutions are dedicated to preserving the essential balance between technological innovation and the human touch. We ensure that digital tools and resources are used to enhance, rather than replace, the personal interactions between students and teachers. Our goal is to integrate technology in a way that supports and enriches the learning experience while maintaining strong, individualised student-teacher relationships and a supportive educational environment.

How has membership in the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), one of the world’s most exclusive clubs, influenced your professional network and opportunities? How does it benefit the Nehru Group and your broader initiatives?

Being a member of the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF) is a prestigious honor that connects us with top business leaders and influential global figures. This platform facilitates valuable exchanges of ideas and collaborations aimed at societal progress. Winning the Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award has greatly elevated my profile, broadening my network and strengthening my international connections.

How does the Nehru Group balance its commercial success with its commitment to social responsibility?

The Nehru Group of Institutions adeptly balances commercial success with a deep commitment to social responsibility and philanthropy. From its inception, the Group has been devoted to extending higher education opportunities to grassroots communities. This commitment is reflected in our active participation in a range of social and charitable initiatives, including the P K Das Bhavana Padhathi (a home for the homeless), Snehanidhi (supporting elderly and destitute women), the P K Das Best Faculty Awards, and the P K Das Best Doctors Award, among others. We also conduct various healthcare programmes that benefit society at large. Additionally, the Nehru Vigyan Scholarships provide crucial support to deserving students, ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all. Beyond education, we have diversified into sectors such as Paints Manufacturing, Engineering and Construction, Pharmacy Chain and Trading.

The Paint manufacturing Division Blitz Paints, focuses on specialty coating and the decorative paint market. The R&D centre is dedicated to innovatively seeking new paint technologies, formulas, or applications, staying ahead of industry trends. The EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) Division of our All Care Builders and Traders (I) Pvt. Ltd offers comprehensive services for infrastructure projects, including engineering design, project and procurement planning, and construction services. The Pharmacy Division of All Care Pharma is all about providing high quality pharmaceutical products and exceptional customer service, while promoting health and wellness in the communities we serve. It provides prescription and OTC medications, health and wellness products, and the trading and maintenance of medical equipment. This division plans to open 50 stores throughout Kerala by 2026. Our unwavering dedication and passion for success across all these ventures, allow us to not only achieve commercial success but also make meaningful contributions to society.

The P K Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital is a significant part of your father’s legacy. How does the institution embody his vision for accessible healthcare? What are your future plans for its development?

P K Das, the esteemed Founder Chairman and my father, envisioned establishing a super-specialty hospital in his hometown, Vaniyamkulam, recognising that people in the area often had to travel long distances, even to Coimbatore, for quality medical care. The P K Das Institute of Medical Sciences stands as a testament to his visionary legacy, providing high-quality healthcare accessible to the common man.

To honour this vision, the hospital is steadfast in its commitment to expanding and enhancing its services. This includes a strategic focus on strengthening key departments, particularly Oncology and other super-specialty areas, to ensure they remain at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care. In tandem with these developments, the associated Medical College has undergone significant transformation, evolving into a fully-fledged undergraduate and postgraduate teaching hospital. These comprehensive advancements are designed to elevate the institution’s capacity to provide world-class medical care and education. By fostering cutting-edge research, offering state-of-the-art treatments, and nurturing the next generation of medical professionals, the institution continues to embody and advance the founder’s legacy of delivering accessible, advanced healthcare to the community. Now recognised as a Super Specialty Hospital and Medical College with 1,250 teaching beds with 28 departments, the institution stands as a beacon of excellence in the healthcare sector, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical science and education while maintaining its unwavering commitment to compassionate patient care.

What have been the most challenging moments in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges, with 2017 standing out as particularly significant. During that period, I tackled difficulties with maturity, composure, and a steadfast commitment to truth, which ultimately led to success. These experiences have been pivotal, fostering my personal growth and resilience.

You are well-versed in five languages, which is quite impressive. Could you tell us more about it and how it has enriched your professional and personal experiences?

Yes Certainly. My proficiency in English, Tamil, Hindi and Kannada apart from Malayalam has greatly enhanced my journey as an education expert. It allows me to communicate effectively with a diverse student body and faculty, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. Personally, it has deepened my understanding of different educational philosophies and practices, enriching my approach to teaching and leadership. It’s a skill that not only broadens my professional horizons but also allows me to connect more meaningfully with individuals from various cultural backgrounds, ultimately contributing to a more global perspective in education.

With such a demanding career, how do you manage the work-life balance?

Work has always been my top priority and passion. At the same time, I cherish moments I spend with my mother, wife, children, brother, sister and their families and also with some intimate friends. My brother Dr P Krishnakumar is the CEO and Secretary of Nehru Group of Institutions and my sister is a renowned Gynaecologist who is also the Trustee of Nehru Group of Institutions. I make sure to dedicate a certain amount of time to work each day and I spend quality time with my loved ones also. This enriches my life and profession.

Recently, you were selected as the Honorary Trade Commissioner of Mauritius to India. And how do you think your role as Trade Commissioner can benefit both countries, especially in education?

I am deeply honoured to be selected as the Honorary Trade Commissioner to Mauritius-India. In this era of globalisation, where education is a key driver of progress, I believe my role as an Edupreneur positions me to significantly impact bilateral relations between Mauritius and India. My goal is to create new opportunities in the education sector, fostering collaboration that will benefit both nations. Education is the cornerstone of long-term economic growth, sparking innovation, strengthening institutions, and promoting social cohesion.

What are your key priorities for the Nehru Group of Institutions in the next decade?

The Nehru Group, with its 25 esteemed institutions across vital and impactful fields such as Engineering, Aeronautical, Aviation, Management, Medical, Nursing, Arts and Science, Law, Architecture, Pharmacy, Paramedical Sciences, and Physiotherapy, is poised to emerge as a University of Prominence and Importance. With strategic partnerships with major international universities, we are ready to take the next step in our journey, enhancing our global presence and educational impact.

Over the years, you’ve had the opportunity to meet and welcome many eminent personalities on your campuses. Could you share some memorable interactions with them and how these visits have impacted your institutions?

Throughout the years, the Nehru Group of Institutions has had the honor of hosting numerous distinguished personalities and organizing a wide range of national and international seminars, symposiums, and the esteemed P K Das Best Faculty Awards. These interactions have provided valuable learning experiences that have greatly enriched our community. They have fostered new collaborations, including student and faculty exchanges, which have significantly enhanced the reputation and demand for NGI colleges.

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