Leadership
ENVISIONING A NEW DAWN IN SCHOOL EDUCATION
Dr. G. VISWANATHAN
Founder & Chancellor - VIT Group of Institutions
Early Life & Education
Dr. Govindasamy Viswanathan (G.V), Founder and Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), is a distinguished educationist, institution builder, and social reformer. He excelled in academics from his school days in Gudiyatham, Tamil Nadu, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from Loyola College, Chennai, graduated in Law from Madras University, and later completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School (2003).
Public Service & Leadership
Dr. G. V’s career began in public life as a Member of Parliament (1967–77), Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (1980–84 & 1991–96), and Minister for Food, Cooperation and Dairy Development, Government of Tamil Nadu (1991–93). His leadership has been recognised worldwide with honorary doctorates from:
- West Virginia University, USA (2009)
- State University of New York, Binghamton (2024)
- St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (2025) – his first Indian honorary doctorate
- Rochester Institute of Technology, New York (2025)
Building VIT – A Global Institution
Realising the growing need for quality higher education in Vellore, Dr. G. Viswanathan founded Vellore Engineering College in 1984, which evolved into VIT University in 2001. Today, VIT stands as a multi-campus, multicultural institution, home to nearly one lakh students from all Indian states and over 70 countries.
- NIRF 2024 Rankings: 10th best university, 13th in research, 11th in engineering
- QS 2024 Rankings: Engineering & Technology placed 212th globally
- NAAC A++ Accreditation (2021)
- 60 professors in the world’s Top 2% Scientists (Stanford 2024)
- Academic partnerships with 540 universities worldwide
- A strong placement record with leading global companies
Societal Contributions
Dr. G.V’s compassion drives impactful initiatives that transform lives:
- STARS (Support the Advancement of Rural Students): Free education, food, and accommodation for rural toppers (1,014 beneficiaries so far).
- GV School Development Programme (GVSDP): Strengthening school infrastructure and quality.
- Universal Higher Education Trust (UHET): Supporting 9,878 underprivileged students in higher education.
- Skill Development Programmes & Centre for Sustainable Rural Development for rural upliftment.
Continuing the Mission
As Past President of the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI), representing 500+ institutions, Dr. G. V continues to champion access, quality, and innovation in education. With profound commitment and passion, he embodies an absolute faith in the transformative power of education, empowering youth and inspiring future generations.
Dr. G. V. SELVAM
Vice President - Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Chairman - Vellore International School (VIS)
Dr. G. V. Selvam spearheaded the transformation of Vellore Engineering College into VIT University in 2001, becoming its first Pro-Chancellor and the youngest globally to hold the position (Limca Book of Records). With a postgraduate degree and Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Madras, he blends academic insight with entrepreneurial vision.
Leadership in Higher Education
As Vice-President of VIT, Dr. Selvam has been pivotal in securing Institution of Eminence status, propelling VIT into the top 3% of global universities (QS Rankings), and winning the ARIIA Award for Innovation. He became the first Vice-President of VIT Chennai in 2010, where he shaped the campus from scratch with Green LEED-certified infrastructure. Under his leadership, the institution introduced new academic programs in Law, Architecture, Hotel Management, and Agriculture, and he also founded the acclaimed VIT Technology Business Incubator (VITTBI), which has received national recognition for its support to budding entrepreneurs. His initiatives also include the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development, the Green Vellore and Clean Palar Projects, and the internationally renowned “Riviera” festival.
Expanding the Vision
Through the Vellore International School (VIS), a 35-acre residential campus in Chennai, Dr. Selvam is extending VIT’s ethos to school education, integrating global curricula with Indian values, holistic learning, sports, and personalized care through the innovative Houseparent system.
Driving Change Beyond VIT
Beyond academia, he contributes actively to social welfare, sports, culture, and community development, reflecting his commitment to empowering youth and uplifting society.
Values & Principles
Rooted in honesty, hard work, and integrity, Dr. Selvam believes education must teach students how to think, not just what to learn. Inspired by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s words, he continues to nurture talent, encourage innovation, and build institutions of excellence.