Born in 1947, the eldest son of our legendary founder, Dr. M. S. Ramaiah, Dr. Jayaram inherited a legacy of service and excellence. At just 25 years old, he took over the onerous responsibility as the Chairman of the Governing Council (now Governing Board) of the M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT). He was also elected the youngest MLA in Karnataka, but in a remarkable act of selflessness, he relinquished political power. The state legislature’s loss was to be the Higher Education Sector’s gain, because thereafter there was no looking back, as Dr Jayaram dedicated himself to the cause of education and social welfare.

In 1979, the M. S. Ramaiah Medical College (MSRMC) was established, and Dr Jayaram assumed the additional responsibility as the Chairman of GEF(M). He led the institutions to strengthen post graduate education and research, besides carving out a niche of great repute in under-graduate education. He has the distinction of transforming these institutions with an emphasis on quality, affordability, and accessibility in higher education. As a result of his efforts, these premier institutions are eminent and excel in the country in their respective fields.

Motivated by a passion to bring change, he pursued advanced studies in education technology and curriculum development. Under his leadership, the GEF(M)has grown into a world-class academic hub, nurturing thousands of students across medicine, engineering, law, and management. The numbers say it all: GEF oversees 18 colleges/schools on its Gnana Gangothri campus, with more than 11,000 students on the campus comprising students from India and across the world. The MS Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies is also his creation which has since transformed into the now renowned Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, comprising the thirteen faculties that he had assiduously built. Dr Jayaram is the Chancellor of Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. His efforts led to the founding of several organizations focused on teacher training, curriculum modernization, and inclusive education. He has worked closely with government bodies to implement policies that promote quality education for all students irrespective of their socioeconomic background. He is the President of the Education Promotion Society for India, an apex professional body representing over 7000 higher education institutions. He is the Secretary, Karnataka Professional Colleges Foundation, and Chairman, Consortium of Medical, Engineering & Dental Colleges of Karnataka.

Following the passing of our beloved founder, Dr. M.S. Ramaiah, Dr Jayaram doubled his efforts, his focus now on establishing a super speciality hospital in the memory of his father, and the MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital is today the pride of Bangalore. His vision also transformed healthcare through super-speciality centers, and rural outreach programs—making quality education and healthcare accessible to all.

Besides being an educationist, Dr Jayaram is a spiritual leader, business leader and industrialist of repute. Recently he consolidated all his businesses and brought them under one name called “Valdel Corporation.” Valdel specialises in design engineering and a host of other businesses. Beyond institutions, Dr. Jayaram’s work as Dharmadhikari of Kaiwara Kshetra, a centre for spiritual resurgence located around 60 km away from Bangalore, is remarkable. The Kshethra focuses on rejuvenation of old temples, providing health and education to a population of 20,000 spread across 23 villages, with Kaiwara, as the focal point.

Dr. Jayaram is the Managing Trustee of M.S.Ramaiah Charities Trust, which pursues a number of well-defined social objectives. The Trust awards annual scholarships annually to the financially backward meritorious candidates for pursuing higher education. He is also associated with professional bodies.

In November 2006, Dr. Jayaram was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Coventry University, UK, for his contribution to education and business. In May 2022, he was conferred Doctor of Humane Letters by University of Illinois, Chicago. In June 2024, he was conferred Honorary Doctorate by Bangalore City University, Bangalore for his contribution towards education and social service.

Today, as we honour him for the receipt of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, we celebrate not just his achievements, but his unwavering belief that true leadership lies in empowering others. His vision is to create an equitable education system that helps every learner to reach their full potential. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, innovation, and compassion in education. We are proud of you, Sir! Hearty Congratulations on behalf of the entire Ramaiah Family!