Vanakkam,

I’m Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan

Doctor, Visionary, Educationist, Nation Builder

I come from a small village called Nalligoundanoor in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. My journey began with a simple dream – to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through healthcare and education. I graduated from Dental Wing of Madras Medical College in 1970, and like many young professionals of my time, I had big dreams but modest means. Still, I believed that passion backed by persistence could create real change. In 1971, with a heart full of hope and a head full of ideas, I took the leap and opened my very first dental clinic. It was a modest setup — a small room with just a single dental chair, a few essential instruments, and shelves neatly lined with the most basic supplies I could afford.

In 1977, I started the first multi-specialty hospital in Erode, aiming to bring quality healthcare closer to the people. A few years later, in 1988, I founded Saveetha Dental College in Chennai — a bold step that opened the doors to what would eventually become Saveetha University in 2005.

Today, Saveetha stands as a home for innovation in medicine, law, engineering, management, and more — a reflection of my belief that education must be dynamic, bold, and forward-looking. I’m also a lifelong learner and a lover of the Tamil language, and I’ve had the privilege of writing “Vaai Pal Maruthuvam”, a book that was recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Over the years, I’ve been humbled to receive honors like the Lifetime Achievement Award from the President of India, and the Edupreneur Award from the Times of India — but what truly drives me is the chance to inspire and be inspired.

This space is a reflection of my thoughts, memories, milestones, and ongoing journey — as a teacher, a mentor, and a student of life.

Empowering Lives Through Healthcare, Education, and Purpose.”

From the quiet streets of Nalligoundanoor, a small village in Erode district, my journey began with a simple yet profound dream — to make a lasting difference in people’s lives. What started in 1971 with a modest dental clinic, equipped with just one chair and fueled by compassion, became the seed for a lifetime mission: empowering communities through better healthcare, holistic education, and purposeful leadership. I remember greeting each person with patience, explaining procedures in simple words, and making sure they felt reassured. Often, I would treat patients who could not afford full fees, accepting whatever they could give, or sometimes nothing at all. My goal was not just to fix teeth, but to build trust — to show that healthcare could be compassionate and accessible. Every institution I’ve built, every initiative I’ve led, has been anchored in this deep-rooted desire to serve. Over the decades, that mission has taken me far beyond the boundaries of my village — into the heart of academic transformation in India. From expanding healthcare access to nurturing world-class learning environments at Saveetha University, I have sought to create spaces where knowledge thrives, innovation is encouraged, and young minds can dream fearlessly. For me, healthcare and education are inseparable forces. Healthy minds and healthy bodies together form the foundation for progress — and it is this belief that has guided every step of my journey.

My roots keep me humble, my experiences make me innovative, and my values keep me service-oriented. When I’m not immersed in institutional development, I write, lecture, and engage with students and scholars — passing on not just knowledge, but the spirit of purposeful contribution. The Tamil language remains my anchor and my inspiration. Through essays, speeches, and public discussions, I continue to explore and champion themes close to my heart — healthcare, education, language, and leadership.

This space is my canvas — a living archive of my journey, my thoughts, and the milestones along the way. Here, I hope to inspire, to connect, and to encourage others to find their own path to serving society. Because in the end, empowering lives is not just something we do — it’s who we are.

“I believe education is not just about learning, but about transforming lives. My journey—from a rural village in Tamil Nadu to founding a globally recognised university—is a testament to that belief ”

My Mission

My mission is to create a lasting and transformative impact in education, healthcare, and community development impact that resonates far beyond the boundaries of institutions and touches the lives of people across the nation. I believe true progress lies in the seamless integration of academic excellence, accessibility, and innovation. I envision a future where progress is inclusive—where the opportunities for learning, healing, and growth are not confined to a privileged few but accessible to every individual, regardless of geography or economic status. By fostering a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and strategic global partnerships, we can address the complex challenges of our time—whether in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, or social equity. At the heart of this vision is a deep commitment to developing solutions that are practical, scalable, and impactful, anchored in a belief that education must go beyond the imparting of knowledge to shape character, instill empathy, and inspire a lifelong sense of responsibility toward society To build centres of excellence in dental, medical, and multidisciplinary education — driven by innovation, compassion, and teamwork — nurturing professionals who are not only skilled but also compassionate, socially responsible, and globally competent. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we will extend the benefits of quality healthcare and education to underserved communities, creating inclusive opportunities for learning, healing, and growth. Together, as a dedicated team, we strive to foster a future where progress is accessible to all and where every individual can contribute meaningfully to the betterment of humanity.

My Family – My Strength and Inspiration

Behind every achievement in my life stands the unwavering support of my family. My journey has been demanding—building an institution from the ground up required long hours, countless sacrifices, and resilience through many challenges. Through it all, my family has been my anchor, my counsel, and my source of strength.

My wife has been my steadfast partner in every endeavor. She has stood by me not just in moments of triumph, but more importantly, during times of uncertainty, offering patience, understanding, and wise advice. Her ability to balance warmth with wisdom has been a guiding light for me, and her faith in my vision has often kept me moving forward when the path seemed difficult.

Our children have been both a joy and a motivation. Watching them grow, learn, and pursue their own dreams has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I have always believed that values are not taught by words alone but by example, and I have sought to show them that perseverance, humility, and compassion are the true measures of success. Today, they not only share my pride in the institutions we have built but also carry forward the spirit of service and excellence in their own ways. In many ways, my family is an extension of my work. Their involvement, encouragement, and quiet sacrifices have shaped the foundation on which Saveetha stands. The warmth of a family dinner after a long day, the encouragement during a challenging project, the shared laughter and conversations—these are the moments that fuel my spirit.

I often say that my achievements are not mine alone—they belong to my family, who have given me the freedom to dream, the strength to persevere, and the love to keep me grounded. Without them, my journey would have been incomplete; with them, it has been deeply fulfilling.

I have always believed that traditional food is more than just a meal—it is a story, a heritage, and a medicine in itself. The recipes passed down from our grandparents are filled with wisdom about nutrition, seasonality, and balance. I love the way our traditional dishes use locally grown, fresh ingredients—millets, greens, pulses, spices—each adding not just taste, but health benefits that modern fast food can never match. For me, every bite of traditional food is a connection to our land, our farmers, and our roots. It’s slow-cooked, full of flavor, and prepared with love, and it keeps us strong, both in body and mind. We must preserve these culinary traditions, not only because they are delicious, but because they hold the key to a healthier, more sustainable future."

"என் வாழ்க்கையின் ஒவ்வொரு முன்னேற்றமும், சவால்களையும் கடந்து வெற்றியை அடைந்ததிலும், முருகப்பெருமானின் அருள் தான் என் வழிகாட்டி."

My Devotion to Lord Muruga

Each visit reaffirms my purpose and renews my commitment to serve society with humility and dedication. For me, worship is not confined to rituals alone—it is a way of living. I see my work in education, healthcare, and community service as an offering at His feet. I have often felt that the growth of our institutions and the impact of our outreach efforts are not just the result of human effort, but also the blessings of Lord Muruga guiding our path. In moments of uncertainty, I turn to Him—not for miracles, but for clarity, strength, and the courage to act in the best interest of those who place their trust in me. My devotion to Lord Muruga is not just a matter of faith; it is the spiritual compass that keeps me aligned with my mission.

Faith has been the unseen force guiding my life, and at the heart of my spiritual journey is my deep devotion to Lord Muruga. From my younger days, I have sought His blessings before every important decision, every new venture, and every challenge I undertook. I believe that the strength to dream big, to serve tirelessly, and to face adversity with courage has always come from His divine grace. Lord Muruga’s virtues—wisdom, valor, and compassion—are ideals I have strived to embody in my personal life and professional endeavors. I have visited His sacred abodes many times, finding peace at the steps of Palani, solace in the serene heights of Thiruttani, and inspiration in the chants that echo through Swamimalai.