It was the 6th of August, 1951, a bright and hot Monday when the Gangadharaiah household in Tumkur, Karnataka, welcomed Dr. G. Parameshwara into the world. It was an auspicious moment for the family, deeply committed to Gandhian ideals. Little did they know that this newborn would grow up to become one of the most influential political leaders in the country, with a remarkable journey ahead.
Dr. G. Parameshwara’s early life was shaped by his family’s values of integrity and public service. His educational journey was equally impressive. Throughout his academic life, Dr. Parameshwara excelled, winning numerous scholarships and accolades. An all-rounder by nature, he was also a passionate sportsman, displaying the same energy and drive on the field as he did in his studies.
As the Chancellor of Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Dr. G. Parameshwara is driving a strategic vision aimed at enhancing the overall quality of education while expanding opportunities for all. His unwavering commitment to education and his extensive contributions across various fields has earned him a top spot among India’s 25 Most Inspiring Education Leaders 2024.
A Journey Rooted in Education and Agriculture
Dr. G. Parameshwara began his education at a Government School in Tumkur before attending Sri Siddhartha High School, which was founded by his father, Sri H. M. Gangadharaiah. Following his primary education, he joined the Government Pre-University College in Tumkur and went on to earn a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, where he also completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture.
With a passion for reading and research, Dr. Parameshwara briefly worked as a Research Assistant in the Department of Plant Physiology at the University of Agricultural Sciences after his post-graduation. He later pursued a PhD in Plant Physiology from the Waite Agricultural Research Centre at the University of Adelaide, Australia, further enhancing his academic credentials.
Dr. G. Parameshwara’s journey into agriculture was somewhat unplanned. Although his father initially encouraged him to pursue a career in law, Dr. Parameshwara followed his own interests and chose agriculture instead—a decision that led to a fulfilling career. After completing his PhD in Adelaide, he received fellowship offers from prestigious institutions worldwide. However, he chose to return to India to assist his father in managing educational institutions. While his career later transitioned to politics, his background in agriculture has remained a valuable asset throughout his professional life.
From Administrative Officer to Founding SSAHE
Upon returning from Australia, Dr. Parameshwara took on the role of Administrative Officer at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Tumkur. He later played a pivotal role in helping his father establish Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre.
Following his father’s passing, Dr. G. Parameshwara, in collaboration with his late brother Dr. G. Shivaprasad, who served as the first Chancellor, successfully founded the Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University) in 2008.
To this day, SSAHE remains committed to its founding vision of “Reach the Unreachable,” ensuring that education is accessible to all, regardless of caste or financial constraints. The institution continues to uphold this mission by adapting to technological advancements while keeping education affordable and accessible.
Navigating Legacy and Innovation
To gain insight into Dr. G. Parameshwara’s role as the current Chancellor and his leadership at SSAHE, we had the opportunity to engage with him directly. Reflecting on his transition into the role following the passing of his esteemed brother, Dr. G. Shivaprasad, who was renowned for his exceptional leadership and expertise, Dr. Parameshwara acknowledged the challenge of stepping into such large shoes.
As an esteemed educationist, Dr. G. Parameshwara oversees the Deemed University, which includes Medical, Dental, and Engineering Colleges, as well as several schools within the Siddhartha Group of Institutions in Tumkur.
When asked about the initial reforms implemented under his leadership, he emphasized the shift towards learning beyond the traditional syllabus and the emphasis on practical knowledge. Dr. Parameshwara detailed how SSAHE students are rigorously trained to handle advanced tools and equipment beyond their usual scope, fostering a deeper understanding of their subjects through data analysis and improved reporting.
Under Dr. Parameshwara’s leadership, SSAHE operates as an inclusive hub of education, welcoming students regardless of caste, creed, or gender. The university stands as a model of exceptional gender balance, with women excelling across various courses and disciplines.
Unplanned Path to Prominence
While Dr. G. Parameshwara is widely recognized in Indian households as a prominent political figure, his initial foray into politics was clearly unplanned. Born into a political family with his father serving as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Dr. Parameshwara’s entry into politics was influenced more by circumstance than by deliberate choice.
His path took a decisive turn when the late Rajiv Gandhi visited Tumkur and identified his exceptional potential. This encounter catapulted Dr. Parameshwara into active politics, leading to his appointment as Joint Secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). This marked the beginning of a distinguished political career that has significantly influenced Karnataka’s political landscape. Today, Dr. G. Parameshwara continues to serve the state as the Home Minister under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a role he has held since May 27, 2023.
A Life of Discipline
In addition to his roles in politics and education, Dr. G. Parameshwara is also celebrated for his athletic achievements from a young age. During his university years, he set a record by completing the 100-meter sprint in 10.9 seconds and represented Karnataka at the national level. He achieved fourth place at the World Inter-University Athletic Championship in Belgrade and was selected for Olympic training. However, he chose to focus on academics after receiving national and international scholarships. Even today despite his demanding schedule, Dr. Parameshwara remains active, engaging in tennis and regular exercise.
Regarding his mental health, the Home Minister of Karnataka shared his approach: “It’s challenging, but I’ve learned to prioritize and eliminate unnecessary stress. Just as you delete unwanted files from a phone, I’ve trained myself to mentally discard distractions that aren’t essential. This practice helps me stay focused.” Reflecting on the importance of family time, he acknowledged, “Although I can’t spend as much time with my family as I would like, I make sure to cherish and maximize the time I do have with them.”
Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education
(Deemed to be University)
After exploring the remarkable life of Dr. G. Parameshwara, it’s time to shift our focus to Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University). Let’s delve into how this esteemed institution, under his visionary leadership, has become a unstoppable force in advancing education and fostering inclusivity.
SSAHE (Deemed to be University) in a Nutshell
Founded in 2008, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SSAHE) is dedicated to preparing students for life by instilling core values, fostering a drive to excel, and nurturing a passion for success. The Deemed to be University includes both on-campus and off-campus constituent colleges. On-campus institutions include Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Sri Siddhartha Dental College, while off-campus colleges encompass Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology and Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre.
Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SSAHE) boasts state-of-the-art, eco-friendly campuses that provide a vibrant and conducive educational environment, enriched by lush greenery and migratory birds. The campuses emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and supportive relationships within smaller class sizes, fostering an engaging and collaborative atmosphere.
Quality teaching remains a cornerstone of the SSAHE, with most faculty members dedicated to their roles. These capable faculty members help in offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-specialty courses, along with allied health sciences programs, fellowship courses, and digital initiatives. The university ensures students receive extensive exposure to global best practices and cutting-edge concepts across various disciplines. Its diverse elective offerings allow students to specialize while gaining a broad skill set necessary for future success.
Research too plays a major role at SSAHE, which is coupled with strong industry-academia collaborations. Funding agencies and technology bodies, such as the Medical Council of Science and Technology, regularly support student projects. The university encourages students to generate innovative ideas, develop hypotheses, and create impactful projects. “We have established research programs in engineering, medicine, and other fields, with our findings frequently published in national and international journals,” notes Dr. G. Parameshwara, the Chancellor.
Moreover, the strong industry connections facilitate excellent campus recruitment opportunities, attracting companies like Infosys and IBM to regularly visit the campus. “The high success rate of our students in campus placements is a key indicator of our progress,” adds the Chancellor.
Bridging Theory with Real-World Applications
At Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SSAHE), the faculty is deeply committed to addressing gaps in practical application that may exist in other universities. While many institutions focus primarily on theoretical aspects in fields such as engineering, dental, and medical studies, SSAHE prioritizes providing practical opportunities. To meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world, SSAHE has introduced cutting-edge courses in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics alongside traditional Computer Science programs.
Importantly, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education is expanding internationally. The Deemed to be University has already established a partnership with Avalon University in the Caribbean Islands and have signed numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with universities in the United States, including those in Florida and Louisiana.
Empowering Futures
Over the years, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education has produced distinguished alumni who have excelled in diverse fields, reflecting the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and leadership. Notable alumni include K. Sudhakar, a Member of Parliament from the Chikballapur constituency, Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi, a renowned ENT specialist, Vanteemar S. Sreeraj, a respected researcher, and Dr. Sanu P. Moideen, a prominent ENT doctor from Kerala. Their achievements highlight the university’s role in shaping individuals who make significant contributions to society and their professions.
All in all, Dr. G. Parameshwara reflects on the institution’s evolution as a leading destination for quality education in Medicine, Dental, Engineering, and Technology. Over the years, SSAHE has developed a comprehensive platform that nurtures emerging talents, equipping them with strong foundational skills, and Dr. Parameshwara eagerly anticipates welcoming new students to embark on an exciting journey of discovery and empowerment at SSAHE.
