ADV DR. P KRISHNADAS
P K DAS DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY, TAMIL NADU
CHAIRMAN & MANAGING TRUSTEE, NGI
Visionary Educational Leader and Global Influencer
Educational Background and Professional Credentials
Dr. Krishnadas possesses an impressive academic portfolio that reflects his commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Engineering Management (PhD, DEM). Beyond his formal qualifications, Dr. Krishnadas is a polyglot par excellence, fluent in five languages – English, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam – a skill that has significantly enriched his professional and personal experiences, enabling him to communicate effectively with diverse communities across India.
His legal background as an advocate by profession manifested in his ardent dream to establish a law college at par with national law schools, which resulted in the founding of the Nehru Academy of Law in 2015 with the objective of imparting high-quality legal education and promoting research aimed at national development.
Inheriting and Expanding a Legacy
The story of Dr. Krishnadas is inextricably linked to his father, the late Shri P. K. Das, a visionary educationist, philanthropist, and former Air Force officer who established the Nehru Group of Institutions in 1968. P. K. Das, an aeronautical engineer who gave up his lucrative Air Force career, founded the first institution in Kuniamuthur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, with the vision of providing quality education to students, especially from economically backward backgrounds.
When P. K. Das passed away in 2009, the monumental responsibility of leading this educational empire fell on the shoulders of his sons – Dr. P. Krishnadas as Managing Trustee and Chairman, and Dr. P. Krishnakumar as CEO & Secretary. Dr. Krishnadas has eloquently described his father as “a self-disciplined individual who, through his service in the Air Force, embodied the principles he espoused,” noting that his father’s visionary approach and commitment to bringing higher education to the grassroots continue to inspire his leadership.
Over the past decade and a half, Dr. Krishnadas has not merely maintained his father’s legacy but has exponentially expanded it. What began as a single institution in 1968 has grown into a conglomerate of 24-25 institutions spanning diverse disciplines including Aeronautics, Architecture, Arts, Engineering, Science, Medical, Research, Technical Education, Management, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy, Paramedical Sciences, and Physiotherapy across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Leadership Philosophy and Core Values
Dr. Krishnadas’s leadership philosophy centers around several core principles that guide his decision-making process. As he articulates, his values focus on “a deep commitment to teamwork, making decisive and proactive choices, and relying on core competencies”. He firmly believes that collaboration and collective effort drive success, and prioritizes making informed decisions with foresight and conviction while leveraging core strengths and expertise to achieve optimal outcomes.
His approach to institutional management reflects a unique understanding that the rise of educational institutions comes not from “high rise concrete structures and technological infrastructure” but from “intricately intertwined learning process and human resources”. This human-centric philosophy has been the focus of NGI’s educational approach during its five decades of existence.
Academic Excellence and Strategic Vision
Under Dr. Krishnadas’s stewardship, the Nehru Group maintains the highest standards of quality through rigorous accreditations and the introduction of relevant courses and programs. The focus remains on enhancing students’ employability by developing their skills and fostering holistic development. The institutions have successfully nurtured, groomed, and placed approximately 100,000 students in leading corporate organizations both in India and abroad.
Dr. Krishnadas emphasizes active engagement with the corporate industry through internship programs, group discussions, entrepreneur awareness programs, and personal interactions with industry leaders as essential for maintaining thought leadership. He believes that effective teaching methodology through transformational training, coaching, mentoring, and leadership development instruments will transform students into entrepreneurs rather than mere job seekers.
The Crown Jewel: P K Das Deemed to be University
One of Dr. Krishnadas’s most significant achievements is his work toward establishing P K Das Deemed to be University in Tamil Nadu, where he serves as Chancellor. This represents the fulfillment of his father’s dream of creating a world-class university. The Nehru Group, with its 25 esteemed institutions across vital fields, is positioned to emerge as a University of Prominence and Importance, with strategic partnerships with major international universities enhancing its global presence and educational impact.
Healthcare Legacy: P K Das Institute of Medical Sciences
Dr. Krishnadas has been instrumental in developing the P K Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital in Vaniyamkulam, Palakkad district, Kerala – a flagship healthcare institution that stands as a testament to his father’s vision for accessible healthcare. P. K. Das had envisioned establishing a super-specialty hospital in his hometown, recognizing that people in the area often had to travel long distances for quality medical care.
The institution has undergone significant transformation, evolving into a comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate teaching hospital. Now recognized as a Super Specialty Hospital and Medical College with 1,250 teaching beds across 28 departments, it stands as a beacon of excellence in the healthcare sector, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical science and education while maintaining unwavering commitment to compassionate patient care.
Diversification and Social Entrepreneurship
Beyond education and healthcare, Dr. Krishnadas has led the Nehru Group’s diversification into multiple sectors, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen. The group has ventured into paint manufacturing through Blitz Paints, which focuses on specialty coating and the decorative paint market with an R&D center dedicated to innovative paint technologies. The EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) Division under All Care Builders and Traders (I) Pvt. Ltd offers comprehensive infrastructure project services.
The Pharmacy Division, All Care Pharma, provides high-quality pharmaceutical products and exceptional customer service, with ambitious plans to open 50 stores throughout Kerala by 2026. This diversification strategy allows the Nehru Group to achieve commercial success while making meaningful contributions to society.
Commitment to Social Responsibility and Philanthropy
Dr. Krishnadas has maintained his father’s deep commitment to social welfare and philanthropy. The Nehru Group actively participates in numerous 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. The group also conducts various healthcare programs that benefit society at large, and the Nehru Vigyan Scholarships provide crucial support to deserving students, ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all.
From its inception, the Group has been devoted to extending higher education opportunities to grassroots communities, offering scholarships to students who are economically disadvantaged yet show academic promise. This commitment to social responsibility reflects Dr. Krishnadas’s belief that education is a powerful instrument for social transformation.
International Recognition and Diplomatic Role
Dr. Krishnadas’s contributions to education and society have earned him prestigious international recognition. In July 2023, he was announced as the recipient of the 14th Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award, a distinction that opened doors for him to enter the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), one of the world’s most exclusive clubs connecting leading business figures and influential global leaders. This membership has significantly boosted his profile, expanding his network and enhancing his global connections.
Previous recipients of this prestigious award include prominent business leaders such as V P Nandakumar, Joy Alukkas, M A Yusuf Ali, T S Kalyanaraman, P. N. C. Menon, Gokulam Gopalan, Dr Ravi Pillai, M P Ramachandran, Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Sabu M Jacob, Dr Viju Jacob, Dr A V Anoop, and Dr Varghese Kurian.
More recently, Dr. Krishnadas was selected as the Honorary Trade Commissioner of Mauritius to India, a role he views as an opportunity to significantly impact bilateral relations between the two nations. In this era of globalization, where education is a key driver of progress, he believes his position as an edupreneur enables him to create new opportunities in the education sector, fostering collaboration that will benefit both countries. Education, he emphasizes, is the cornerstone of long-term economic growth, sparking innovation, strengthening institutions, and promoting social cohesion.
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Krishnadas has been honored with numerous recognitions for his contributions to education and society. These include the Global Achiever Award for Quality Excellence in 2012 by the Economic Development Forum, New Delhi; the Gandhi Award for Outstanding Contributions Towards Education and Society at Large by the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation; the Bharat Jyoti Award for Outstanding Individual Achievements and Distinguished Services to the Nation by Citizens Integration Peace Society, New Delhi; and the National Award for Educational Excellence by Indian Economic Development and Research Association, New Delhi.
Leadership Positions and Professional Memberships
Dr. Krishnadas has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career. He serves as Chairman of the Chamber of Kerala Colleges and previously served as President of the Kerala Private Medical College Management Association (2015-2017). He is also a Senate member of the Kerala University of Health Sciences, a life member of the Export-Import Council of India and the All India Management Association of Self-Financing Colleges, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, he is an active Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow.
His other notable positions have included General Secretary of Kerala State Self-Financing Pharmacy College Association, Member of the Board of Studies, Faculty of Law at Kannur University, and President of JCI Shoranur.
Digital Transformation with Human Touch
Dr. Krishnadas brings a balanced perspective to digital transformation in education. While enthusiastically embracing technological innovation, his institutions are dedicated to preserving the essential balance between technology and the human touch. He ensures that digital tools and resources enhance rather than replace personal interactions between students and teachers, integrating technology in ways that support and enrich the learning experience while maintaining strong, individualized student-teacher relationships and a supportive educational environment.
Personal Life and Work-Life Balance
Despite his demanding career, Dr. Krishnadas maintains a philosophy that work has always been his top priority and passion, while also cherishing moments spent with his mother, wife, children, and extended family. His brother Dr. P. Krishnakumar serves as the CEO and Secretary of Nehru Group of Institutions, and his sister is a renowned gynecologist who also serves as a Trustee of the Nehru Group. He makes sure to dedicate quality time to both work and loved ones, recognizing that this balance enriches both his life and profession.
Overcoming Challenges
Dr. Krishnadas has faced various challenges throughout his career, with 2017 being especially significant. He approached these difficulties with maturity, calmness, and a commitment to truth, which ultimately prevailed. These experiences have been transformative, contributing to his personal growth and resilience, shaping him into the leader he is today.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Krishnadas envisions the Nehru Group emerging as a globally recognized hub of excellence – a true “global village” where innovation, inclusivity, and intellectual rigor converge. His vision places particular emphasis on reaching students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, nurturing their talents, and empowering them to emerge as globally competitive entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
With strategic partnerships with major international universities, the Nehru Group is ready to take the next step in its journey, enhancing its global presence and educational impact. Over the years, the institutions have hosted eminent personalities and organized numerous national and international seminars, symposiums, and the prestigious P K Das Best Faculty Awards, leading to new collaborations including student and faculty exchanges that have significantly elevated the demand and reputation of NGI colleges.
Dr. Krishnadas’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of visionary leadership – from expanding his father’s educational legacy to creating new opportunities for bilateral international cooperation. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility serves as an inspiration for educational leaders worldwide, demonstrating that true success in education comes from a harmonious blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial vision, social consciousness, and unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.