I am very delighted to convey my Warm Greetings to the Executive Body, Faculty, Staff and the Students of the Prestigious University of Madras with sense of Pride. I am very happy, elated and enthusiastic to assume office as the 'Vice Chancellor' of the University of Madras - An Historical Institution of Higher Education in India, which is also considered to be the Mother University for many Universities in South India.

My admiration has never stopped growing for this University, since it has played a very pivotal role in advancing the cause of Higher Education in the Nation during its formative years, before and after Independence. The Galaxy of Eminent Personalities who have passed out of the portals of this great institution will speak volumes for the Quality that this University has stood up for. I salute all the Great Personalities and share my appreciations to the faculty and staff who have been dedicated to their work.

The University's Motto "Learning Promotes Natural Talent" though framed in the year 1857 is certainly a Visionary Statement which serves as a guiding principle for the students, as they enter the University System for their Higher Education. It is true that fruits of Higher Education are sweeter and valuable when it promotes the blossoming of natural talent that enriches students to be value enhanced individuals. The Scenario of Higher Education in India is now in a transformation phase as compared to earlier times, a compelling era where Conventional practices have to be prepared to Change for greater adaptation to suit the present requirements and address the futuristic needs, as a result of the condition of the Global Economy situation that we live in today.

The Universities and Colleges are faced with greater challenges in focusing their priorities in Increasing the Quantity of Service Delivery, Providing of Practical cum Industrial Oriented Syllabus, Promoting Total Quality Management of Educational Programs, Ensuring a Valuable Campus Environment for the Faculty & Students, Increasing Value Added Programs, Convergence of Technologies, Taking the benefits of Research and Development to the Communities in Need and many more.

As the Vice Chancellor of this University, I am dedicated to the task of providing an Easy and Accessible Leadership to put Management Systems in place and to work towards enhancing the Infrastructural facilities in the University, thereby acting as a catalyst to increase the efficiency of the University. I will strive with all my sincerity to motivate and rejuvenate Every Department of this University, Every Service Program of this University and Every Affiliated College of this University to be shining as 'Outstanding Units of Higher Education' with the Banner of the University of Madras held in High Esteem.

I would also be very privileged to 'Lead the Team' with Compassion and a steadfast commitment towards achieving Excellence in all our activities. With the Support of the Faculty, Staff and Students, I am sure that the University Campus at Chepauk, Marina, Guindy and Taramani will be enhanced with value added features to provide a holistic and comprehensive education that's Enriched for the Students to be Employable, through the real Enlightenment of the Self!

It is my desire that this Edifice of Higher Education shall stand Tall and Proud with Valuable Contribution to the Nation in particular and the World at large with the advancement of Academics & Research to help promote 'Qualitative Human Development'!

Best Regards to One & All

Col. Dr. G. Thiruvasagam
Vice Chancellor