Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Karnataka, Adichunchanagiri University (ACU) is more than just an institution of higher learning—it is a movement that has redefined education as a force for societal transformation. Established in 2018 under the aegis of the Sri Adichunchanagiri Shikshana Trust®, ACU stands as a beacon of knowledge, service, and innovation. Rooted in the vision of its revered founder, Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, the university was conceived not merely as a center for academic excellence but as an institution dedicated to uplifting communities through holistic education and impactful initiatives.
A Legacy of Accessible Education and Holistic Learning
The roots of Adichunchanagiri University mission trace back to 1973, when the Trust first established schools and colleges in rural Karnataka to ensure equitable access to education. What began as a noble effort to bridge societal gaps evolved into a full-fledged multidisciplinary university, driven by the leadership of Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, the 72nd Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math. Under his stewardship, Adichunchanagiri University has remained steadfast in its commitment to empowering students, particularly those from underserved communities, with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Spread across a sprawling 67-acre campus at BG Nagara, the university offers a serene yet technologically advanced environment for academic and personal growth. Strategically located near Bangalore on National Highway No. 75, Adichunchanagiri University harmonizes modern infrastructure with a lush, green landscape that fosters intellectual curiosity, innovation, and collaboration.
ACU’s academic prowess is reflected in its NAAC A+ accreditation, a testament to its commitment to quality education. With a diverse portfolio of 72+ programs and 1,522+ courses, the university offers 850 interdisciplinary options and 150+ value-added courses, enhancing students’ employability and innovation skills.
Revolutionizing Healthcare with Compassion and Innovation
Adichunchanagiri University ’s dedication to community welfare is most evident in its transformative healthcare initiatives, led by the Adichunchanagiri Hospital & Research Center (AHRC). The Free Food Initiative has provided over 2,400 free meals daily since 2018, impacting more than 57,600 individuals each year with an investment of ₹57 lakhs annually. Healthcare accessibility is further bolstered through SANKALP, a program that has facilitated over 963 cleft surgeries and 139 post-burn contracture surgeries since 2006, investing ₹14 lakhs annually to restore lives and dignity.
Beyond specialized treatments, ACU’s commitment to rural healthcare is evident in the 1,256+ health camps it has organized since 2018, benefiting 36,000 patients across Karnataka. These include free eye camps for 4,729 individuals and comprehensive antenatal care programs for women, ensuring holistic well-being for the underprivileged.
Uplifting Rural Communities Through Sustainable Development
ACU’s impact extends far beyond its campus, reaching deep into Karnataka’s rural heartlands through village and school adoption programs. The Village Adoption Program has transformed Brahmadevarahalli into a model village by introducing RO water plants, enhanced healthcare facilities, and digital literacy programs, demonstrating the university’s commitment to sustainable rural development.
Through its School Adoption Program, Adichunchanagiri University has revolutionized 14 schools, equipping them with smart classrooms, sanitation facilities, art supplies, sports equipment, and environmental initiatives. With an investment of ₹60 lakhs since 2018, these efforts have significantly elevated the quality of primary education in rural areas, earning recognition from state officials and national policymakers.
A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
As a guardian of environmental stewardship, Adichunchanagiri University has played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s green revolution, having planted over 5 crore saplings in collaboration with the state government. Its eco-conscious campus operates on 700 kW of solar energy, utilizes biogas plants, and fosters biodiversity with over 4,585 trees, providing a habitat for 36 bird species, four butterfly species, and six snake species.
The university’s green initiatives do not merely remain within its campus but extend to community-driven sustainability programs, inspiring students and local residents to embrace eco-friendly practices.
Empowering Students Through Experiential Learning and Community Engagement
ACU integrates social responsibility into its curriculum, ensuring students actively engage in community welfare. Through outreach programs, students participate in health camps, sustainable agriculture projects, and digital literacy drives, gaining hands-on experience that shapes them into responsible citizens.
Extracurricular activities further strengthen ACU’s mission, with 1,350 students enrolled in 13 NSS units, driving initiatives such as cleanliness campaigns, health camps, and tree plantations. The annual BGS Walkathon, with over 12,000 participants, promotes heart health awareness, while students contribute directly to free healthcare services, surgeries, and rural upliftment projects, making real-world impact a core part of their education.
Building Strong Collaborations for Greater Impact
ACU’s philosophy of collaborative progress has led to impactful partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and global organizations. The university has successfully facilitated artificial limb fitment camps in association with the Karnataka Marwari Youth Federation, while environmental programs have been executed in partnership with Vanasamvardhane Sangha.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ACU received crucial donations from Kuduremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. to procure oxygen generators, exemplifying how academia and industry can unite for societal welfare. Its flagship healthcare initiative, SANKALP, has garnered international recognition, with organizations like Rotary and Rotaplast International USA playing a vital role in its execution.
Visionary Leadership Driving Excellence
At the helm of ACU’s transformative journey is Dr. M. A. Shekar, a distinguished medical professional specializing in diabetes and endocrinology. As the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shekar’s leadership has been instrumental in steering ACU’s academic and research vision, blending medical expertise with strategic educational reform.
His extensive contributions, spanning roles such as Director of Medical Education, Dean at Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, and Director of Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology & Research, have established him as a respected figure in the field. His accolades, including the Dr. B. C. Roy Award and Lifetime Achievement recognition by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, underscore his unwavering dedication to academia and healthcare.
A Model University for the Future
Adichunchanagiri University’s unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, sustainability, and community service has earned it the rightful title of Community Impact University of the Year 2024. As it continues to set benchmarks in academic excellence and social responsibility, ACU stands as a shining example of how universities can be powerful catalysts for positive change in society.
