Dr Sampat Shivangi, the first Asian to be named Chairman of the Mississippi Board of Mental Health, in July 2014. Vikas Khanna, Michelin starred celebrity chef. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Corporation. Rajiv Suri, CEO of Nokia, Dr Unni Karunakaran, former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières, who cycled 5000 km from Kashmir to Kerala, over 100 days through 10 states, to raise healthcare awareness.

Pictured above from left to right, these distinguished alumni of Manipal Academy of Higher Education exemplify the University’s constant attempt to nurture and groom leaders across various domains.

As Microsoft broke the news of Satya Nadella taking over as the company’s next chief in February 2014, Manipal Academy of Higher Education had every reason to bask in glory.

“Yes, it is a great day for Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Every single student, past and present will cherish this glorious moment. Satya’s great achievement has done Manipal Institute of Technology and Manipal Academy of Higher Education proud,” said the Chancellor, Dr Ramdas M Pai.

“There are several others of Manipal Institute of Technology who have made it big globally. Some are: Anant J Talaulicar, Mechanical 1984, who is the Executive Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of Cummins India Ltd; Rajeev Suri, E&C 1989, the CEO of Nokia Solutions and Network; PV Shridhar, E&C 1979, Director at Apple and Glenville Da Silva, Chemical 1979, Vice President of Business Development Asia, at Volvo Construction Equipment. They have earned laurels for their alma mater. Satya, Microsoft’s cloud computing boss has every single person even remotely connected with Manipal rejoicing at the elevation,” he said.

“This is the biggest event for Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Over the last three months, when his name was shortlisted for the job, we have been hoping and praying that Satya would get the job. Today is a red letter day in the history of Manipal Academy of Higher Education,” the Chancellor said. 

Another Red Letter Day came barely months later, with the appointment of Rajiv Suri, as the head of Nokia, in April.  

In an email to the Manipal Institute of Technology, his alma mater, Suri declared that he spent the best time of his life there.

"A great university with wonderful teachers, fantastic memories and deep, lifelong friendships. You are the university and teachers that made me what I am.... Recently you have shown your pride quite publicly, and for that I am ever so grateful," he said.

Over a 100,000 people across the world are proud members of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Alumni network. All of them are ardent believers in the Manipal philosophy of constantly striving for excellence in whatever field of work they are involved in.

All of them are Inspired by Life.