@ All rights reserved. (Approved by the office of Dr. G.V. Selvam)
This smart eBook is dedicated to Smt. Rajeswari Viswanathan (13-07-1948 – 14-12-2007) and to every VITians
King of Kings
Dr. G. VISWANATHAN
Founder & Chancellor - VIT Group of Institutions
“India should lead the world & VIT should lead India”
The Great Visionary Leader
Dr. G. V. SELVAM
Vice President - Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) & Chairman - Vellore International School (VIS)
“Like Father & like son”
Dr. G. V. Selvam as VP
Dr. G. V. Selvam has been a prominent force in the growth of VIT since 1999, when he first assumed the role of Vice-Chairman of Vellore Engineering College. Under his leadership, the institution has seen significant milestones. One of the most notable was the transition of Vellore Engineering College into VIT University in 2001, with Dr. Selvam becoming its inaugural Pro-Chancellor. His appointment as the youngest Pro-Chancellor in the world, recognized bythe Limca Book of Records in 2005, underscores his early leadership and vision.
In 2010,Dr. Selvam took onthe roleofthe first Vice-President of VIT Chennai, where he spearheaded the campus’s development from the ground up. The high-rise buildings, lush green landscapes, and state-of-the-art infrastructure that characterize the campus were established within a short timeframe, achieving Green LEED certification.
His strategic leadership continues to guide the development of VIT Chennai, where he has implemented numerous innovative measures that have elevated the institution to international prominence.
Dr. Selvam’s approach toeducation is marked byhis commitment to providingflexible, pragmatic academic solutions, catering not only to top-performing students but also to those who require additional support. His introduction of “Riviera” an inter-university sports and cultural festival, has blossomed into a celebrated international event, further highlighting his vision for holistic development.
"Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor of VIT and Dr. G. V. Selvam, Vice President of VIT, during the Fresher’s Induction Programme 2024."
A passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, Dr. Selvam has been instrumental in the creation of eco-friendly campuses at both VIT Vellore and Chennai. These campuses stand as models of sustainability, with their rich greenery and self-sustaining ecosystems, reflecting his enduring commitment to environmental stewardship.
Chairman of VIS
Vellore International School (VIS) is founded on the guiding principles of Dr. G. V.’s vision and compassion, which will enable the school to evolve as one of the top international schools in Chennai for holistic education.
“1st Investiture Ceremony of VIS (Vellore International School) on 29th June 2024”
The world class infrastructure and the special character of VIT are being replicated by Dr. Selvam in the creation of Vellore International School (VIS). The campus is spread across 35 acres withalush green ambiencetoinspireand facilitate learning. Toinculcateadeep rooted cultural ethos, Indian value systems and an enterprising sports mindset in students, appropriate academic and administrative guidelines have been put together. Highly qualified members of faculty and staff will thoughtfully implement the guidelines to make learning enjoyable and profitable. The novel Houseparent initiative ensures that students are personally cared for. The objective is to provide modern education interwoven with Indian Value systems resulting in holistic education.
The values that Dr. Selvam holds dear are integrity, Hard Work & Honesty. His commitment to nurturing individual ambitions and building productive teams helps individuals manage life in the changing world.
GV's Doctorate Degree
Dr. G.V. Selvam, Vice-President of Vellore Institute of Technology(VIT), received his Doctorate from Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu in the presence of Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu Thiru. R.N. Ravi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. M.K. Stalin, and Higher Education Minister Dr. K. Ponmudy during the 165th convocation of the University of Madras in 2023.
Dr. G.V. Selvam’s research, titled “Appraisal of Higher Education in India with Special Reference to the U.K. and U.S.A.,” was completed in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Madras. His Ph.D. work on this significant topic was successfully accomplished at the prestigious University of Madras.
This felicitous gathering celebrated Dr. Selvam's remarkable contributions to education and his exemplary leadership in advancing knowledge.
Students Mentor
Dr. G.V. Selvam says that VIT is offering a golden opportunity for students. But what is an opportunity? It’s like water flowing in a river; you cannot take the same water the next day. It’s up to each individual whether they take a glass, a mug, a bucket, or a drum. Don’t miss this opportunity, because it won’t come again. There are four things students must focus on: knowledge, skills, attitude, and human values. These are the most important aspects of life. Always be a lifelong learner, as the sky is the limit for us. Let me give you a great example our Chancellor, Dr. G. Viswanathan, at the age of 60, went to Harvard University for higher education.
Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. India has one of the oldest and best education systems, starting from Nalanda University. Yet, many students still go abroad for higher education. While I agree with pursuing higher studies abroad, I have one request: go abroad, learn, and then return to serve our mother country. A survey reveals that 33% of doctors in the U.S. are Indian, 12% of U.S. scientists are Indian, 34% of Microsoft employees are Indian, 23% of IBM employees are Indian, and 17% of Intel employees are Indian. Our best brains are outside India. So again, I request: learn, earn, and return to serve our mother country.
Reading books and getting a degree is not difficult. Even earning money is not hard. But the next day, it could all disappear. What really matters is earning people. Build relationships, because that is what's lasting. Fight for that.
"Remember to learn from yesterday, Live for today, and hope for tomorrow."
Sports & Academics
Dr. G.V. Selvam emphasized the importance of students taking sports seriously. He explained that daily exercise has several benefits, including improving the body's blood flow and contributing to both physical and mental fitness. He stressed that focusing only on academics is not enough; sports are equally important, like the two eyes both sports and academics are essential.
"During the inauguration of the 18th Summer Camp at VIT Vellore on 24.04.2024, Dr. G.V. Selvam, Vice President of VIT, delivered a motivational speech, accompanied by Dr. Thiyagachanthan N.V, Director of Physical Education at VIT."
Dr. Selvam advised that students should prioritize their health in order to handle life's challenges, as wealth can come later, but health, once lost, cannot be regained.
Start-up Advisor
Dr. G.V. Selvam said, startups are very important in today's world. He always mentioned that India has become the third-largest startup ecosystem with over one lakh registered startups and has achieved 48th place in the Global Innovation Index for 2023. He emphasized that innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers for any developed nation, which India is actively pursuing. While MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) contribute to the economy through local manufacturing and services, startups play a vital role in bringing innovative technologies to the market. He stressed the need to balance the growth of both MSMEs and startups, especiallyin terms of employment, as MSMEs provide more stable jobs while startups face uncertainties. Many startups fail due to a lack of motivation and mentoring, though they have the potential to create significant opportunities across various sectors like transportation and telecommunications.
Dr. Selvam also pointed out that learning from failure is essential for any entrepreneurial system. He urged students to study not only successful entrepreneurs but also those who have failed, as this provides valuable lessons. He emphasized that preparation for real-world startup challenges should begin in students' academic years, with a focus on practical experience, experimentation, and problem-solving.
“Don't be a job seeker, be a job creator”
He consistently advised students to become entrepreneurs and focus on thinking about entrepreneurship rather than being job seekers. Dr. Selvam encouraged students to aim at becoming job creators, suggesting that instead of seeking employment, they should provide jobs to others. He also emphasized that there are two important days in life: the day one is born and the day one proves why they were born.
VP’s Kutty Story
A wealthy family living in a cosmopolitan city, perhaps Mumbai or Delhi. The family consisted of a father, mother, and son. The son wanted to go on vacation to Switzerland, but his father, who had grownup in arural village as partofthe first generation to move to the city, insisted on taking the family to their native village instead. The son wasn’t keen on the idea, but they eventually agreed and spent a week in the very rural village. After they returned to the city, the father asked the son how he had enjoyed the vacation. The son began comparing life in the city with life in the village:
“In the city, we have one dog, but in the village, there are many dogs roaming the streets. We have a swimming pool at home, but they have a vast river with fresh running water. We have LED lights, but they have the stars and moon lighting up the night. We have walls to protect ourselves, but they have friends to protect them. We watch TV for entertainment, but they have family to talk to. In the city, we have the world at our fingertips through technology, but they have God in their hearts.”
The son then thanked his father for showing him how poor we truly are, realizing that while village people may not have as much, but they are rich in ways we are not. He ended by saying that this experience had taught him an important lesson: to treat everyone equally, regardless of wealth, religion, or caste.
Green Vellore
When people think of Vellore, theyoften call it the 'land of heat.' Determined to change this perception and improve the city's environment, Dr. G.V. Selvam initiated the 'Green Vellore' project in 2008. He is the brain behind the Green Vellore Project, which has added green cover to the rocky and barren landscape of Vellore. He planted thousands of trees at the VIT University campus. Later, he adopted a small hill near VIT University and planted 5,000 trees on its slopes.
@behind VIT, Vellore.
In 2009, he began planting trees across the entire Vellore city. One remarkable aspect of his approach was that instead of simply planting small saplings, he used mature trees, specifically five to six-year-old trees that had been carefully nurtured within the VIT.
These fully-grown trees were transported to various parts of Vellore and planted, ensuring immediate impact and faster growth. The people of Vellore welcomed this initiative wholeheartedly, understanding the value of the greenery and the shade the trees would eventually provide.
As time passed and the trees flourished, the citizens of Vellore began to enjoy the benefits cooler surroundings, cleaner air, and abundant shade. But perhaps the most significant impact was on the region's rainfall.
It became clear that the trees planted by Dr. Selvam were playing a crucial role in attracting rain to Vellore, a city often plagued by dry spells. Today, when it rains in Vellore, many people credit Dr. Selvam’s foresight and hard work, acknowledging that his efforts to green the city have made a lasting contribution to its environment. The trees he planted not only provide shade and beauty but have also become the very reason for the much-needed rains, and no one can deny the profound effect his vision has had on the city’s climate.
Vellore palartrin selvam
In 2015, Dr. G.V. Selvam launched the 'CLEAN PALAR' project, which received widespread appreciation in the Vellore region. The project aimed to restore the Palar river to its original state by removing unwanted plants, including Seemai Karuvelam (Prosopis Juliflora), and eliminating plastic waste. The cleanup covered an area of 86 lakh square feet, stretching from the Old Palar Bridge to the Konavattam Railway Bridge, and from the New Palar Bridge to the Vellore District Collectorate.
“Holy water from the Ganga and Cauvery rivers was poured into the Palar by VIT Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan to mark the formal inauguration of the Clean Palar Project on January 15th, 2015.”
As part of the initiative, the graveyard along the riverbank, which had been overrun with bushes and waste, was also cleared. Future plans include laying roads along both banks of the Palar river to connect the old and new bridges, as well as developing a garden alongside the new roads.
Vellore Palar Restoration
Dr. Selvam’s efforts went beyond mere cleanup; he transformed the mindset surrounding the Palar river. Where people once questioned,
'Will water ever flow in the Palar river?', he instilled confidence that
'Water will flow in the Palar river.'
In 2016, just a year after the project began, the Palar river saw floods after nearly 14 years of drought. This remarkable achievement is credited entirely to Dr. G.V. Selvam.
“Dr. G.V. Selvam, Vice President of VIT, overseeing the Clean Palar Project on the Palar riverbed in Vellore, 2015.”
The Clean Palar Project is part of his larger vision to restore the Palar riverbed to its original texture and make Vellore a cleaner, greener, and more nature-rich city. The project was highly welcomed by the people of Vellore.
Back Bone of GV’S
Behind every successful individual stands a source of unwavering support, strength, and encouragement. For Dr. G.V. Selvam, that pillar of strength is none other than his wife, Mrs. Anusha Selvam. Her role in his personal and professional life is both profound and indispensable, making her the true backbone of his success and vision.
Mrs. Anusha Selvam, President, Thuvani Foundation & Vice President SPCA Vellore.
As a compassionate and determined individual in her own right, Mrs. Anusha Selvam has always been more than just a supportive spouse. She is a driving force behind many of the initiatives that Dr. Selvam has undertaken, particularly those involving community welfare, environmental sustainability, and animal care. Together, they form a partnership that extends beyond their personal lives, deeply rooted in their shared vision for a better world.
One of the most notable examples of her involvement is her leadership role as Vice Chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Vellore. Her deep empathy for animals, coupled with her dedication to their well-being, has significantly influenced Dr. Selvam’s own passion for community service. Both have collaborated on multiple initiatives, including the Thuvani Foundation, which has worked to provide care for stray animals during the COVID-19 lockdown.
"During the 165th Convocation of the University of Madras in 2023, Dr. G.V. Selvam, Vice President of VIT and Chairman of VIS, was awarded a Doctorate degree. Present at the event were Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor of VIT, Mrs. Anusha Selvam, Trustee of VIS, and Prof. Shangmughasundaram, former VC of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University."
Mrs. Anusha Selvam is truly the backbone of Dr. G.V. Selvam’s achievements. Her unwavering support and shared vision have been key factors in their ability to impact countless lives and drive positive change. Together, they continue to makea difference, with Mrs. AnushaSelvam standing strong as an essential partner in every endeavor.
Her quiet yet powerful presence has allowed Dr. Selvam to focus on his mission to transform Vellore, knowing that she is not only a partner in life but also a partner in his vision. Mrs. Anusha Selvam’s ability to balance her family responsibilities while actively contributing to society has been instrumental in helping Dr. Selvam remain grounded and focused on his goals.
Thuvani Foundation
Thuvani Foundation was started by G.V. Selvam, Vice President of VIT, and Adv. Anusha Selvam, Vice Chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Vellore.
"Tha. Pandian, MP (3rd from right), and Dr. G.V. Selvam, VIT Vice President and Honorary President of the 'Thuvani' Foundation, at the inauguration of the foundation at Voorhees College, Vellore, on October 26, 2015."
The initiative is carried out through J. Navaneethakrishnan, Regional Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, S. Sukumar, Chairman of New World Animal Rescue (NWAR), S. Ramesh, Secretary of NWAR, members of NWAR, Punitha, and other animal welfare board members.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, the stray animals have been deprived of food, and to help them, Thuvani Foundation has embarked on a programme to feedthem.Theinitiativehas comeas arayofhopeforthestraydogs and monkeys which otherwise depend on food provided by nearby shops, restaurants, and passersby.
The foundation has donated 1,000 kg of rice, which has fed approximately 9,000 dogs in areas including Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Pernambut, Gudiyatham, Pallikonda, Kalputhur, Katpadi, Tharapadevedu, Vellore, Vellore Railway Station, Cantonment, Sathuvachari, and Ranipet. In addition, over 300 packets of bread and biscuits were also fed to the dogs and monkeys.
The effort by Thuvani Foundation has made a significant impact, ensuring the survival of these animals during the difficult COVID-19 lockdown period.
“Volunteers of Thuvani Foundation feeding strays in Vellore.”
What motivates me to write this?
Dr. G.V. Selvam sir words have always resonated with me:
“If one can do, You too can do, if no one can do, You must do… As a VITian you must do that.”
This powerful message drives me to share his story and inspire others to follow in his footsteps, believing in their own potential.
"Pic
“Once an inspiration, Always an inspiration.”
People may wonder why I wrote this. My simple answer is: I wanted to share the inspiring achievements of Dr. G.V. Selvam sir with the younger generation, especially students. His dedication, vision, and contributions have made a profound impact on society, and I believe that by telling his story, more young people will be encouraged to pursue meaningful and impactful work in their own lives.
with my inspiration, Dr. G.V. Selvam sir, at VIT Vellore in 2023."
