agri annamalai u.s

The Annamalai University owes its existence to the wisdom, benefaction and philanthropy of a far-sighted visionary- Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar of Chettinad. As early as 1920, he founded Sri Minakshi College in Chidambaram, a great pilgrimage centre and also a centre for South Indian traditional culture and learning. In 1928, the Annamalai University Act was passed and Sri Minakshi College paved the way for the establishment of Annamalai University.

Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, during his tenure as Pro-chancellor for 19 years, paid great attention to the growth and development of the University and took immense care to appoint able Vice-Chancellors of extraordinary calibre and learned and enlightened staff members who were scholars and scientists of great repute as Professors and Heads of Departments.
Growth and Development
Dr. Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar

After the demise of Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, his eldest son, Dr. Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar, a multifaceted personality of rare calibre, strove with sustained vigour and zeal to lead the University into new horizons by setting new directions and goals. The Directorate of Distance Education of the University is his brainchild and a definite asset to the University. It was set up in 1979 and has been rendering yeoman service in continuing education to all age groups across the country. The Faculty of Medicine along with the Dental College, Nursing and Pharmacy Departments were initiated in 1980, and thus the cherished desire of Dr. Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar to set up a Medical college under the umbrella of the Faculty of Medicine was fulfilled in 1985. During the span of 36 years as Pro-Chancellor he nurtured and nourished the continuous growth and development of the University.
Consolidation and Expansion
Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy - The present Pro ChancellorThe present Pro-Chancellor, Dr.M.A.M. Ramaswamy, was nominated by the Chancellor to succeed his father as Pro-Chancellor of the University. Blessed with the insight of a skilled entrepreneur, the organizational capabilities of an executive, the versatility of a venturesome industrialist and with the qualities of leadership and organization he has continued to show the same care and guidance for the growth and development of the University. Thanks to his guidance and encouragement, several new job-oriented courses like Biotechnology and Bioinformatics had been introduced in the various Faculties both on campus and off campus mode. His keen interest in sports has resulted in the growth and development of the Physical Education Department which now has an enviable addition of a Tennis complex, Gymnasium and a sports laboratory.

The University that started with only seven departments in 1929 has over the years developed into a famed institution of higher learning with 49 departments under 10 faculties thus gaining the reputation of being one of the few Institutions in India with all faculties under one roof. The University has the advantage of a well equipped Central Library and Laboratories that provide excellent facilities for undertaking research projects for Ph.D. and Post- Doctoral work. Several research projects, funded by national and international funding agencies including the State and Central Government, has been carried out by the various Faculties, in addition to which close co-operation has been developed with neighbouring industries for promotion of research and training programmes.