real estate developer, philanthropist, educationist
P Dayananda Pai is an Indian billionaire, real estate developer, philanthropist and educationist in Bengaluru, India.[1] He is a managing trustee and board trustee of B.M.S college and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and is the syndicate member of Manipal University and the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal and a former syndicate member of Mangalore University. Pai was awarded the Karnataka Udyog award and the Karnataka Rajyotsva award for social and charitable activities.[2] He was conferred an honorary doctorate by Mangalore University for his exceptional contribution to the field of education and philanthropy.[3]
Dr P. Dayananda Pai (born 8 February 1945) was born in Mangaluru, Karnataka.[5] He completed his education in Mangalore before earning a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from SJCE, Mysuru, and a Bachelor of Laws (B.L.) from Sharada Vilas Law College, Mysuru.[6] His multidisciplinary education laid the foundation for a career that would later bridge business, law, and education.
Career
Pai is the co-founder of Century Real Estate, one of India’s largest real estate companies, known for its transformation from a land-aggregation firm into an integrated developer.[7]
Dr Dayananda Pai makes significant philanthropic contributions in education, healthcare, and community development. Through the Century Pai Foundation, he has initiated several health and social welfare programs, including free medical camps and wellness drives for residents of Channahalli village, Karnataka.[10] The foundation also supports scholarships for underprivileged students, rural infrastructure improvement, and cultural preservation projects across Karnataka.[11]
Pai has made substantial contributions to educational institutions in his hometown of Mangaluru. He fully funded the construction of a Government First Grade College at Car Street, Mangaluru, covering all expenses of approximately ₹4 crore, without any government funding.[12] He and his brother jointly donated ₹8 crore to educational causes, including ₹4.5 crore to government and women’s colleges in Mangaluru.[13] In 2023, the foundation stone was laid for a ₹65 crore auditorium at Canara Engineering College, Mangaluru, named the **Dayananda Pai–Satish Pai Auditorium**, commemorating the brothers’ decades-long contribution to education and philanthropy.[14] He continues to support initiatives under the Spoorthi Charitable Trust, focusing on literacy, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion.[15]
Awards and honours
Dr P. Dayananda Pai received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2010) for social service, one of the state’s highest civilian honours.[16]Mangalore University conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt.) at its 2009 convocation for contributions to education and philanthropy.[17] He has also been reported as a recipient of the Karnataka Udyoga Ratna recognising industry and public service.[18] Pai was honoured with the Ko Ma Karanth Award (2009) for philanthropy and public service in coastal Karnataka.[19] He received an award (2009)** from the Mangalore Management Association for leadership in business.[20] Reports also note his Navaratna Award (Gokarna Math) recognising charitable and cultural contributions.[21] As long-term recognition, the World Konkani Centre has instituted annual "Dr P. Dayananda Pai” Vishwa Konkani awards in theatre and translation, named in his honour.[22] University/institutions frequently reiterate these honours alongside his honorary doctorate for social and educational service.[23]
Media Highlights and Controversies
In 2012,Pai was named in an inquiry concerning land transactions in Bengaluru; he denied any wrongdoing and no formal charges were filed.[24]
B.M.S. Educational Trust inquiry
In 2023, his appointment as Life Trustee of the B.M.S. Educational Trust came under public and political scrutiny. Opposition leaders questioned the transparency of the process, and the Karnataka government ordered an inquiry into alleged procedural irregularities.[25]
Assassination Attempt
In October 2012, Pai's car was shot by two motorbikers after getting calls from a Bangkok-based extortionist. Two motorbikers came from both sides of his car and each shot the car once. Pai was saved by his bullet proof Bentley.[26][27]
Bangalore Palace Property dispute
In 2009, a proposed high-value real estate transaction involving a portion of the Bangalore Palace grounds between Dayananda Pai and the Wadiyar royal family drew media attention. The deal, reportedly worth several hundred crore rupees, was intended to develop parts of the estate commercially. However, negotiations broke down following disagreements over legal compliance, revenue sharing, and valuation terms. Both parties later confirmed that the agreement had been cancelled, with no transfer of land taking place. The episode was widely covered in the Bengaluru press and cited as one of the city’s most closely watched private property negotiations.[28]
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