Sai University: A Global Vision Anchored in Service and Excellence
Sai University, Chennai is founded on a defining conviction: that a great university must not only transmit knowledge, but expand the boundaries of human potential. Conceived as a globally engaged institution within India, Sai University brings together academic rigor, interdisciplinary inquiry, and ethical leadership to prepare graduates for a world defined by complexity, innovation, and shared responsibility.
Sai University is promoted by the Sai Education, Medical, Research and Charitable Trust, whose legacy reflects nearly three decades of visionary philanthropy and institution-building. Established in 1996 by the distinguished humanitarian Shri K. V. Ramani, the Trust emerged from a profound commitment to service inspired by the teachings of Sai Baba. Guided by the timeless ideals of Karma and Dharma, Shri Ramani envisioned social impact not as an aspiration, but as a duty, one to be pursued with discipline, compassion, and integrity.
From modest beginnings as a small charitable initiative, the Trust grew into a transformative force for community advancement. The establishment of its dedicated center in Krishnankaranai along Chennai’s East Coast Road, and the inauguration of a landmark meditation hall in 2003, signaled the evolution of a structured institution committed to both inner development and societal progress.
A Foundation of Giving
Over the years, the Trust has shaped lives at scale while remaining attentive to individual dignity. It has supported the construction of nearly 450 Sai Baba temples, many of which have become vibrant centers for service and community engagement. Through an extensive network of partner organizations, the Trust advances humanitarian initiatives spanning educational access, healthcare support, and Annadanam for underserved communities.
Each day, approximately 5,000 individuals receive free meals through these initiatives.
Annually, nearly 3,000 students are awarded scholarships, with a strong emphasis on enabling first-generation learners to pursue higher education. Close to 2,000 patients receive life-saving medical treatment at no cost, and over 50,000 first generation students have completed their graduate education with the Trust’s support. Every program is guided by rigorous evaluation and principled stewardship, ensuring that generosity is matched by accountability and enduring impact.
Among the Trust’s most significant contributions is the ₹112 crore endowment toward the creation of Sai Ashram Phases I and II in Shirdi, now a welcoming sanctuary for pilgrims from across the globe. Designed to serve at scale without compromising comfort or dignity, Sai Ashram-I accommodates approximately 9,000 devotees across 1,536 rooms, while Sai Ashram-II houses nearly 5,000 guests in thoughtfully planned dormitories.
Service. Scale. Impact.
₹112 crore
Endowment for Sai Ashram Phases I & II
~450
Sai Baba temples supported/constructed
~5,000
individuals per day – Free meals served (Annadanam)
~3,000
students per year – Scholarships awarded
~2,000
patients per year – Free life-saving medical treatments provided
50,000+
first-generation students – Graduated with Trust support
Sai University: A Legacy of Service,
A Vision for Global Leadership
Emerging from the Shri Sai Trust’s legacy of service and institution-building, Sai University is Shri Ramani’s most ambitious and future-oriented initiative. Envisioned as a university of global consequence, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering discovery, and preparing leaders to address the defining challenges of our time. Backed by an investment of approximately ₹360 crores, the University reflects a deep belief in education as a catalyst for societal transformation.
Beyond infrastructure, Sai University is built as an intellectual ecosystem where ideas flourish, disciplines intersect, and innovation thrives. Its academic philosophy embraces interdisciplinary learning, research-driven scholarship, entrepreneurial thinking, and meaningful global collaboration. Students are encouraged to think critically, explore widely, and engage real-world challenges with confidence and humility.
Through immersive learning, close faculty mentorship, and ambitious research, Sai University cultivates a scholarly community defined by purpose and openness. Rooted in compassion yet oriented toward the future, it seeks to strengthen India’s global academic presence while shaping leaders who serve with wisdom, courage, and imagination.