Whenever we hear the name Nehru College immediately the name of our Chairman late P.K.Das comes to our mind. Our Chairman's name is synonymous with Nehru Colleges. Which stand as Hall Mark of Quality in the field of Higher Education. Starting from nothing in 1968, this visionary leader dedicated all his energy and hard work to establish 12 esteemed institutions in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Through his tireless efforts, determination, and strict self-discipline, he founded Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences in Kuniamuthur, Coimbatore in 1968. In addition to this college, he established four engineering colleges, one Arts & Science college, one Pharmacy College, one Aviation Institute, and one Super Speciality Hospital, along with three Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. At just 29 years old in 1986, he embarked on his career as an educator in Coimbatore.
The meteoric rise of this great personality in the field of technical and higher education was phenomenal and great. A humble beginning was made. He began his journey with humility. Despite facing countless challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, he remained steadfast and resolute, moving forward with unwavering determination and steadfast resolve to achieve one success after another. With each passing year, he harvested abundant rewards and accolades. He stood tall like a giant. The flagship institution, Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences, has emerged as unparalleled in the country. This institution stands out as the sole entity offering a wide array of specializations in Aeronautical Maintenance Engineering. Within the realm of Applied Sciences, numerous B.Sc. degree programs in Aeronautical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, and Avionics, as well as an MBA in Airline and Airport Management, were introduced. The exceptional standards maintained at this institution are a testament to the Founder Chairman late P.K. Das.
He added golden feather to his cap, by starting a huge and prestigious Nehru College of Arts and Science in a new campus at Thirumalayampalayam. Two Engineering Colleges were also set up in Thirumalayampalayam and Kaliapuram, on the outskirts of Coimbatore. In Pambadi, Kerala, he founded the Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre, followed by the Nehru College of Pharmacy. Additionally, the Jawaharlal College of Engineering And Technology was established in Lakkidi, Palakkad District. In 2010, the Jawaharlal Aviation Institute was launched in Lakkidi. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art P.K. Das Institute of Medical Sciences was inaugurated in Vaniyamkulam as a super Specialty Hospital. All these institutions were meticulously planned and overseen by him. The effective operations and high standards maintained across these establishments are a testament to his dedication, greatness and success.
Though he left us, about a year back, he has groomed his sons Adv.P.Krishnadas, the present Managing Trustee and Dr.P.Krishnakumar,CEO & Secretary, Nehru Group of Institutions at Coimbatore in to succcessful academicians and administrators. They have taken over the reins of administration of these institutions in an admirable manner. The Chairman had foreseen the birth of a great University in the name of Jawaharlal Nehru University. The might and strength of our beloved Chairman are etched deeply and are eloquently evident from the functioning of these institutions. He was a modest, sincere, honourable, and direct individual, with noble behavioural characteristics. He was a tall, attractive, and authoritative figure not only physically but also intellectually and behaviourally.