India’s history is steeped in a rich heritage of learning, with ancient universities attracting intellectuals from all over the world. From Takshashila in West Punjab, which rose to prominence in the seventh century B.C., to many others that flourished in various regions of the country, India’s universities have been at the forefront of academic excellence. These institutions were well-endowed, offering a wide range of disciplines such as ritual, holy scriptures, grammar, astronomy, medicine, logic, and several philosophical systems.
Following India’s independence, there was a dramatic increase in the number of institutions and colleges, although the nature of education at the college level was not always encouraging, with the primary goal of preparing pupils for exams. However, changing political and social situations called for a reform of university education to meet the needs of an independent India.
One institution that has risen to the challenge is Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM University). Established in 2018 as a State Private University in Karnataka. SDM University has been sponsored by the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Society (SDM Educational Society). The Chancellor of this University is Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, who is also the President of the SDM Educational Society and Dharmadhikari (the Head) of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala. SDM Educational Society runs over 55 educational institutions in academic streams such as medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, nursing, biomedical sciences, engineering, management, law, ayurveda, naturopathy, and social sciences. SDM University is a welcome addition to this list and adds to the glory of the SDM Educational Society.
Pillars of the Institute
Behind every successful and reputed educational institution, there will be a Visionary Leader; at SDM University also, there is no exception. The President of SDM Educational Society, Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, is also the Chancellor of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University. Chancellor has been recently nominated to Rajya Sabha by the Government of India, recognizing his multi-faceted personality and significant contribution to the field of Social Service and Rural Development.
As a visionary leader who dreams of starting a Centre of Excellence in Medical Education and Healthcare for the people of the North Karnataka Region at an affordable cost, he has chosen Dharwad as a Centre as it is centrally located. The Chancellor would like to become an effective partner in the Nation building by starting this Centre of Excellence. Poojya Shri Heggade is a multi-dimensional individual, reformer, educationist, philosopher and philanthropist. He has contributed over five decades in the field of Religion, Education, Social Service, Economic and Cultural development. The Chancellor is involved in Rural Development in a big way to uplift the rural society through Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Program (SKDRDP), which is now going to be attracted Nationwide.
Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade has been bestowed with many awards and titles, including the Padma Vibhushan (the 2nd highest civilian award of the Country) and Karnataka Ratna Award (the highest Civil Award of the State of Karnataka) for his extensive work towards the social reformation and communal harmony.
An Eminent Plastic Surgeon by profession, Dr Niranjan Kumar is the founding Vice Chancellor of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad. Dr Niranjan Kumar is also the Medical Director of SDM Medical College & Hospital, Director of the Craniofacial Surgery & Research Unit, and Vice President of JSS-SDM Group of institutions, Dharwad. Under his able leadership, SDM University and its Constituent Institutions are growing at a rapid pace. The University and its Constituent Institutions have secured top ranks in the Country among the private sector Universities and Institutions.
Utopian Environment
SDM University provides a conducive environment for study by providing state-of-the-art facilities like a modern Library, 1200 Capacity Auditorium, well-equipped Laboratories, high-end Equipment, a Complex of Museums, Lecture Halls with advanced Technology, Good Hostels & hygienic Mess, Indoor and Outdoor Sports, Multi gym facilities, Swimming Pool etc. SDM University campus is ragging free from the inception of its Institutions. SDM University now has five academic streams: Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Nursing and Biomedical Sciences.
The epitome of Excellent Patient Care
SDM Medical College was established in 2003 and spread over 70 acres of lush green land under the leadership of the great Visionary Leader Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, the Hon’ble Chancellor of SDM University who wished to start a Centre of Excellence for Medical Education and healthcare for the people of North Karnataka Region.
Medical College offers MBBS and M.D., and MS in 22 Specialties in Pre-Clinical, Para Clinical and Clinical subjects, which the NMC, New Delhi, recognize. The College also offers a Ph.D. and Fellowship Programs, Diploma, B.Sc. in Medical Allied Sciences & Certificate Courses. The uniqueness of the institution is the practices of standard teaching, which ultimately make students better healthcare professionals.
Dr Rathnamala M. Desai is the Principal & Professor Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology who is also the National President of the Family Planning Association of India (2021-2023).
SDM Teaching Hospital: SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital is backed by 1250 bedded Hospital, including a super speciality and Craniofacial Surgery Unit, at an affordable cost. Hospitals have stood as epitomes of excellent patient care providing affordable healthcare services to the public with the most modern facilities. The Medical College and Hospital have experienced and well-trained doctors in all specialities.
Ensuring better Oral Health
SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, was founded in 1986 with a mission to improve the oral health of the local population. Since its inception, the institute has moved from strength to strength, from humble beginning to a state-of-the-art hospital and teaching facility today. The Hospital & Institute have been successfully serving the community with relevant missions and visions, i.e., Learner and patient-centred education and Community Oriented research of excellence.
Nurturing Ideal Physiotherapy professionals
SDM College of Physiotherapy was established in the year 1996 at Sattur, Dharwad. The Sate-of-the-art College building and outpatient department was built on the SDM Medical College campus in 2003. The Physiotherapy College has completed glorious 27 years by providing excellent physiotherapy professionals to society. The College is now affiliated with Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, and it has well-qualified & experienced staff with different specialties to provide knowledge and skills to the students. The college has excellent infrastructure and clinical facilities.
Culmination of Vision
SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences, Sattur, Dharwad
The Institute was Established in the year 2006 under the auspice aegis of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Society, Dharwad. Today, the Institute is affiliated to Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, a unique multi-disciplinary State Private University which is the culmination of the vision of the founder, Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, Hon’ble Chancellor. It is one of the renowned Nursing institutes imparting quality nursing education in the northern part of Karnataka.
SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences provides excellent nursing education. Institute believes that Nursing education should develop the student imagination and serve them better in society. True to the missions, excellence and quality is the motto; it has been the constant endeavor to train competent, compassionate and caring Nursing Personnel empowered to be socially conscious, morally upright and emotionally balanced. Nursing professionals are committed to providing technical resources in pursuit of academic success for students. The institute has achieved this goal by working in partnership with Medical Colleges & hospitals.
Unravelling the Mysteries of unmet Medical Needs
SDM Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences (SDMRIBS), Sattur, Dharwad
A young institute established in 2019 with specialized research facilities – a well-equipped basic research laboratory, pharmaceutical grade clean room, and highly qualified & experienced faculty to unravel the mysteries of various unmet medical needs, particularly non-communicable diseases, through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting-edge technologies. The institute intends to conduct research in the advanced and emerging areas of modern science with innovation and initiative for indigenous technology & product development for the betterment of the Society.
