Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation traces its origin back to the year 1981 when the Thirumuruga Kirupananda Variyar Thavathiru Sundara Swamigal (TKVTSS) Medical Educational and Charitable Trust was established. Building upon this foundation, the visionary Founder-Chairman, Dr. A. Shanmugasundaram, founded the Vinayaka Mission's College of Pharmacy at Salem in 1982. This institution marked the pioneering step of Vinayaka Missions in the realm of education.
In a significant stride, the year 2001 witnessed Vinayaka Missions attaining the prestigious status of a "Deemed to be University." This recognition was bestowed by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, with the endorsement of the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. This accolade acknowledged the institution's unwavering commitment to academic excellence, its fulfillment of the highest academic benchmarks, and its provision of exceptional infrastructure, all of which converged to establish its eminence in education. This milestone heralded the transformation of Vinayaka Missions into Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (VMRF), marking its distinction as the 48th University in India.
Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation boasts an extensive academic landscape comprising of 13 Colleges and 12 Schools, including 3 Medical Colleges, 2 Engineering Colleges, 1 Dental College, 1 Pharmacy College, 1 Homeopathy Medical College, 3 Physiotherapy Colleges/Schools, 3 Nursing Colleges, 2 Arts & Science Colleges/Schools, 5 Schools of Allied Health Sciences, and 1 School dedicated to Law, Physical Education, Rehabilitation and Behavioral Science and Economic policy. These institutions are spread across four campuses in Salem and Chengalpet Districts in Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The academic programmes offered by the university hold approval from the relevant statutory authorities/university, attesting to their quality and relevance. The institution has garnered recognition on the national stage, securing a rank within the 151-200 band in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023 under the University Category. Additionally, VMRF(DU) stands accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an A grade.
With an expansive and impressive state-of-the-art infrastructure encompassing more than 18 Crores square feet across various campuses, the university prides itself on its facilities. The university nurtures a rich array of faculties, fostering a strong emphasis on Interdisciplinary and Multi-Disciplinary Research. The Medical colleges, collectively offering 2000 beds, extend healthcare services tirelessly to rural populations. The university’s engagement with over 30 villages underscores its commitment to healthcare and well-being. Satellite medical centers further augment the university's outreach, while its Virology Research Labs, accredited by NABL, stand as instrumental hubs for SARS-Covid virus testing.
The conducive environment provided by the University helps every student to achieve excellence in their chosen field of specialization. Nearly 16,000 students are studying in the various constituent colleges, and every year approximately 3000 medical, dental, homoeopathy, paramedical, engineering, and management professionals, besides arts & science graduates, graduate from the University campuses successfully. The dynamic environment created by the university helps every student to develop his/her rational, critical, and creative powers, thereby enabling the fullest possible intellectual and personal growth.
Close to 4,000 staff members, including renowned faculty, technical, and other experts, serve our student community to achieve excellence in education and to make studying at our institutions an extremely pleasurable and rewarding experience. The success of the university lies in its highly qualified and experienced faculty who are competent and dedicated to provide the best education in the best possible ways.
Further augmenting its credibility, Vinayaka Mission’s Homeopathy College and Hospital, and medical colleges in Karaikal and Puducherry, have been accredited by NABH. Across the university, a remarkable 46 Research centers/Laboratories spearhead exploration in vital domains including Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Science and Technology, Virology, Alternative Energy, Environment, Nano Technology, Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things.
In tandem with its academic endeavors, the university champions entrepreneurship, with MSME-recognized Business Incubation centers at its Engineering colleges promoting startups. Evidencing its innovative prowess, the university and its constituent institutions hold 100 patents.
Embodying a legacy of over three decades, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University) [VMRF(DU)] continues its journey of enlightenment, empowerment, and innovation, shaping minds and driving progress within the academic landscape and beyond.