Robin Sharma, renowned leadership guru and author of the acclaimed book “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,” once said, “The great and glorious legacy of a human being is to live with purpose.” This sentiment perfectly captures the driving force behind Adv Dr P Krishnadas, the visionary leader of the prestigious Nehru Group of Institutions. Building upon the legacy of his illustrious father, P K Das, Krishnadas leads with a profound sense of purpose and an innovative vision. Skillfully blending tradition with modernity, he is charting new paths in education while steering the Nehru Group, founded by his father in 1968, to greater heights. In this exclusive interview, we explore the remarkable journey of this edupreneur and polyglot, delving into his guiding principles and the strategies that have established him as a prominent educational leader and global influencer.
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 are rooted in a strong commitment to teamwork, decisive and proactive decision-making, and leveraging core competencies. I am convinced that success is driven by collaboration and collective effort. I prioritize making well-informed decisions with foresight and conviction, and I concentrate on utilizing our core strengths and expertise to achieve the best possible results and advance 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 dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality through rigorous accreditations and the introduction of relevant courses and programmes. Our focus is on enhancing students’ employability by developing their skills and fostering their overall holistic development.
How do you see the role of digital transformation in your institutions?
While we eagerly embrace digital transformation, our institutions remain committed to maintaining a vital balance between technological advancement and personal interaction. We use digital tools and resources to complement, not replace, the meaningful connections between students and teachers. Our aim is to integrate technology in a manner that enhances and enriches the learning experience while preserving strong, personalized relationships and a nurturing 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?
Membership in the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF) is indeed a mark of prestige, connecting us with leading business figures and influential global leaders who come together to share insights and collaborate for societal advancement. Receiving the Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award has significantly boosted my profile, expanding my network and enhancing my global 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’ve encountered various challenges, with 2017 being especially significant. During this time, I approached difficulties with maturity, calmness, and a commitment to truth, which ultimately prevailed. These experiences have been transformative, contributing to 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?
Certainly. My fluency in English, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam has significantly enriched my career as an education expert. This multilingual ability enables me to communicate effectively with a diverse range of students and faculty, creating a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. On a personal level, it has deepened my understanding of various educational philosophies and practices, enhancing my approach to teaching and leadership. This skill not only expands my professional horizons but also allows me to engage more meaningfully with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, fostering a broader, 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?
Over the years, the Nehru Group of Institutions has been privileged to host a variety of eminent personalities and organise numerous national and international seminars, symposiums, and the prestigious P K Das Best Faculty Awards. Each of these interactions has been a valuable learning experience, enriching our community. These meetings have led to new collaborations, including student and faculty exchanges, significantly elevating the demand and reputation of NGI colleges.
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