11th May, 1957. As the gathering heat of the rising tropical sun cleared the mist of the dawn, a small tropical village whose name originated from " Manna - Palla " meaning " pond of the mud " - bustled with activity. The dream of a visionary was near fruition. That visionary was none other than "Dr. T. M. A. Pai". As a proud Dr. T. M. A. Pai led the then chief minister of Mysore, Mr Nijalingappa, up the stairs, there was an air of sober excitement and an understood sense of accomplishment about him.
Manipal Engineering College (MEC) was inaugurated. A school to train men who would spark India's industrial and infrastructural drive was being opened. MEC was affiliated to Karnataka university and had a very humble beginning. A 3 year civil engg course was what the institute started out with, to revolutionize the concept of private education in the country. The first of students numbering 120, paid a capitation fee of Rs 1500 /- and the ball was set rolling. Initially, the institution depended on the Kasturba Medical College (KMC) for classroom space. The main building of the college as we see today, was still under construction. In 1956, a staff strength of 25 and studenty body of 120 welcomed the Mayor of Bangalore to MEC and step towards bettering the quality of campus life for the students was taken with the foundation block being laid for the first block.
In 1959, a one year pre professional course was added for those students who wished to enter directly after one year of pre university course. In 1960, MEC missed a grant-in-aid from the central govt. MEC now beagn to face crisis after crisis. The allocation of cement and steel for buildings to complete the MEC campus was delayed. The foreign exchange for equipment imports was withdrawn. Govt scholarships for needy students was also withdrawn in 1965 until 1970. The All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE), a central govt body said that MEC could have no more of government funds. Furthermore, staff members were not eligible for 4 month refresher courses and also could not be recommended for foreign scholarships. The problems were soon to get over.
By 1961, MEC had full 5 year courses in civil, mechanical and electrical engg. The first hostels were set up in 1961. In 1962, 2nd block of the hostels was ready for occupation. By this time, the hostels now had 540 occupants with 3 messes. In 1965, MEC got itself affiliated to Mysore University. In 1966, the institution was pontified by the visit of the spiritual head of Tibet, The dalai lama. In 1969, chemical engg was intrduced as a branch of study which was followed by electronics & communication (E & C). In 1973, the semester scheme was adapted. Also, a one year post graduate diploma course was added in industrial Engg. In the same year, a landmark on the campus materialised in the form of Venugopala temple, which was modeled after a temple in Vadodara, Gujarat.
In 1974, Manipal Engineering College (MEC) assumed its present name Manipal Institute Of Technology (MIT) and was affiliated to Mangalore University. This enhanced its status and also paved the way for government aid to flow in. In 1979, branches of study such as industrial production and architecture were introduced. By 1983, the construction of 7th block and ladies hostel was completed. In 1985, the library building was constructed over a square area of 83,000 square feet. 1986 saw the inauguration of the swimming pool and in 1989, the floodlit basketball court. The same year also saw the construction of the 9th block, which happens to be the largest hostel blocks in India. Importance of computers resulted in the setting up of the computer engg dept in 1987. As the demand for media increased, printing department was set up in 1992. Addition to the library building in the form of over 30,000 square feet of auditorium as well as a reading library were made. 1990 saw the construction of the new ladies hostel and also the construction of the new college building was also commenced. With the improvement in technology and its requirements, need was felt for a specialised branch of engg resulting in the formation of bio medical engg dept in the early 1990's. In 1991, construction of 10th block started.
In 1993, the institution was rattled by the government orders on regulating the intake of students. Meager fee structures saw little money left for infrastructure development. However, MIT Manipal has come out stronger everytime, a crisis emerged. What MIT Manipal offers is not only technical education but also a kind of culture, that breeds people to take this nation ever forward. Post graduation courses exist for almost all branches of study in addition to MBA and MCA. With the growth of reputation boundaries are bound to be crossed. Twinning programs have seen a mutually beneficial symbiosis between MIT Manipal and Andrews University. University of Milwaukee also has a tie up with MIT Manipal wherein students can complete the first 2 years of their study in MIT Manipal and complete the rest in the above mentioned universities.
The result of this exchange have seen many students reach the "Land of the free and the brave" to realise their "American dream". Hostel blocks have come a long way in being considered a home away from a home. 10 blocks for the male species and 4 for the female species exist along with 5 messes for the ever hungry MIT'ian. Swimming pool of MIT have seen many a swimmer plunge with the hope of becoming the indian versions of Mark Spitz, Matt Biondi, Alexander Popov, Ian Thorpe etc while the floodlit basketball courts have witnessed many a close battles between local versions of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neil, Vince Carter etc. The cricket ground do hosts matches that would put many an international matches to shame.
As for the almighty himself, Lord Krishna is the presiding deity in the campus and many have them have reached greater and newer height in their educational & professional career, all due to his divine grace.
In the year 2000, Manipal Institute Of Technology (MIT) is officially deemed and is now affiliated to Manipal Academy Of Higher Education (MAHE). 44 years of existence, 10 engineering courses, 7 post graduate courses, 15 hostel blocks, 12000 alumini, 3500 students (inclusive of ug + pg), 300 faculty members, all possible because of one man Dr. T. M. A. Pai.
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