Founder and Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), G. Viswanathan, is a renowned educationist, former parliamentarian, and a long-standing advocate for Tamil identity and higher education reform. With a public life spanning more than five decades, he has been a driving force in shaping private education in India. 

Chancellor Viswanathan visited Raleigh, North Carolina, to participate in the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) 2025 Convention held from July 3 to 5. In an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald on July 5, he reflected on his long-standing association with FeTNA, shared insights on India’s evolving education policy, highlighted VIT’s student-centric initiatives, and recounted his experiences working with iconic Tamil Nadu leaders such as C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran, and J. Jayalalithaa.

You’ve been associated with FeTNA for over three decades. What brings you to this year’s event, and how do you reflect on FeTNA’s journey and impact?

I’ve been attending FeTNA conventions for nearly two decades. What makes FeTNA special is its unique ability to bring together Tamil Sangams from across the United States and Canada under one umbrella. That level of unity is rare. In most countries, regional associations tend to function independently. FeTNA, in contrast, serves as a unifying model for Tamil communities worldwide. I attend not just as a participant, but as a supporter and well-wisher. Every year, I see the number of Tamil Sangams growing – we are currently active in about 35 US states. I’ve even encouraged FeTNA’s new President to aim for representation in all 50 states. One of FeTNA’s most valuable contributions is its focus on the next generation. The organization runs competitions that foster interest in the Tamil language among children. I also actively urge Tamil parents to give their children traditional Tamil names. A name should reflect one’s cultural identity, and ideally, when you hear a name, it should be unmistakably Tamil.

You’ve received three honorary doctorates from American Universities. What do these recognitions mean to you, especially in the context of your work in education?

These honors are gratifying, as they reflect global appreciation for our efforts in promoting accessible education. West Virginia University awarded me an honorary doctorate in 2009, followed by Binghamton University in 2024. This year, I was honored by St. Xavier’s University in Kolkata, India, and the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. These recognitions are not personal accolades but acknowledgments of our mission to uplifting poor and middle-class students through quality education. At VIT, we are working towards making it a globally respected model. We aim to be among the world’s top 200 universities within a few years. In fields like Artificial Intelligence, we are already ranked in the global top 100.

What is your assessment of the state of education in India today?

India has made progress, but it’s far from where it needs to be. Back in 1964, the Kothari Commission recommended allocating 6 per cent of GDP to education. Shockingly, that same target is still being reiterated today, 60 years later. In the 2024 Union Budget, only 2.5 per cent of the GDP was allocated to education. Globally, India ranks 155th out of 193 countries in public expenditure on education. This is unacceptable for a country that aspires to become a developed nation by 2047. Without significant investment in higher education, that vision will remain unfulfilled. We are advocating for increased education funding at both the state and central levels, especially to make higher education accessible to all. In 2024, India received ₹11 lakh crore in remittances. If our diaspora can contribute so much, the government must step up to ensure the foundation – education – is strengthened for future generations.

As the founder of VIT, now regarded as India’s leading privately owned technology university, could you share insights into its evolution and the key initiatives driving its growth?

At VIT, we strive to create a self-sustaining model for higher education, one that doesn’t rely on government support. We established the Universal Higher Education Trust, through which we’ve awarded over 10,000 scholarships to economically disadvantaged students. Notably, 67 per cent of these beneficiaries are girls from rural backgrounds. On my birthday each year, our faculty and non-teaching staff contribute one day’s salary – amounting to 60 per cent of the funding pool – which is then distributed to deserving students. Our goal is to raise India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education. Currently, the national average is just 28 per cent, while Tamil Nadu leads at 48 per cent.

We also run a program called Support the Advancement of Rural Students (STARS). Many talented students from rural areas may not perform well in entrance exams due to systemic disadvantages. We allow these students to enroll based on academic merit alone, providing full support including tuition, lodging, and meals. Over 1,000 students have benefited so far. This year alone, we crossed 10,000 campus placements across our four campuses – Vellore and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, and Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh.

How did your career in politics begin after your education?

After graduating from Loyola College in 1961, I joined law school. During that time, along with two of my classmates, I also cleared the UPSC exam and was selected for the Indian Police Service in the 1962 batch. While my friends received cadres in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, I was assigned to the Tripura-Manipur UT cadre. My father was not in favor of my relocating to the Northeast, so I chose to stay in Vellore and complete my law degree in 1963. That decision eventually led me to practice law and enter politics.

You’ve served as both a Member of Parliament under the DMK and a Member of the Legislative Assembly under the AIADMK. Could you reflect on your experiences working with Tamil Nadu’s prominent leaders and Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi, MGR, and J. Jayalalithaa?

My political journey began in law college, where I served as the DMK Youth Wing Secretary. That role brought me into contact with the late C.N. Annadurai, the first CM of Tamil Nadu. In 1965, during a public meeting in my hometown of Gudiyatham, he was impressed by my speech and reportedly told supporters later in Madurai that I should be sent to Parliament. That endorsement encouraged me to contest from Vandavasi in 1967, and I won. After Anna’s passing, Karunanidhi became Chief Minister, and I won the seat again in 1971. However, in 1975, I resigned from the DMK over government interference with Christian Medical College in Vellore. I used to be the Deputy Leader of DMK in Parliament at that time.

Later, MGR invited me to join AIADMK and appointed me Deputy Leader of the party in Parliament. In 1980, at his urging, I shifted to state politics and won as an MLA. Later, under Jayalalithaa’s leadership in 1991, I again became an MLA and served as Minister of Food, Cooperation, and Consumer Protection until 1993. I exited active politics in 1996 to focus fully on education. I entered politics in 1966 and came out in 1996, where I had the opportunity to serve both parties. Now, I don’t belong to any party – I take care of the University.

You attended a VIT alumni gathering during this U.S. visit on the sidelines of the FeTNA Convention. What is your view of the alumni’s role in VIT’s growth?

We consider VIT a family more than an institution. I attend many of our alumni’s weddings and we invite them back every year for Alumni Day on January 26. We maintain close ties with alumni worldwide. Ten years ago, when some of our alumni lost jobs in Europe, we organized a job fair in London and helped over 70 individuals secure employment. Today, our alumni are looking to give back financially – they’re working on funding a building in their name on campus. They also assist with faculty recruitment and collaborative projects.

As the founding president of Loyola College’s alumni association, how meaningful is the centenary celebration – especially the upcoming one in September at Dallas, Texas?

I studied at Loyola from 1957 to 1961, completing both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Loyola gave me more than just an education – it taught discipline, punctuality, and commitment. These values continue to shape how I run VIT today. During my years at Loyola, I maintained 100 per cent attendance, and I expect the same from our students. The Jesuit influence is a key reason why Tamil Nadu leads in higher education. Institutions like St. Joseph’s College, founded in 1844, even before the University of Madras, are a testament to their legacy. I’m honored to be part of Loyola’s centenary celebrations. We have requested the President of India to preside over celebrations in Chennai – it would be a fitting tribute to an institution that has shaped generations. I’m happy that the centenary celebrations are going to be held in September in Dallas as well. 

(This interview has been edited for length, brevity, and clarity)

Related posts:

Loyola USA Alumni Association to Celebrate 100 Years of Loyola College with National Summit in Dallas  South Asian Trailblazer Leads Maryland’s Higher Education: A Journey from India to Impact Global Growth Outlook Darkens, But South Asia Defies Gloom with Strong Momentum Exclusive: D. Imman Makes U.S. Concert Debut at FeTNA 2025; Reflects on His Career and Legacy