The Gandhiigram Rural Institute

Established in 1956 by the devoted disciples of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. G. Ramachandran and Dr. T. S. Soundaram Ramachandran, the Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI) is rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's transformative philosophy of Nai Talim. This philosophy seamlessly integrates theoretical and practical aspects, prioritizing the comprehensive development of learners. Emphasizing skill development through value-based education deeply embedded in indigenous cultures and traditions, GRI has been a steadfast contributor to higher education since its inception.

The institute draws inspiration not only from Gandhiji's Nai Talim but also from the ideals outlined by the Dr. Radhakrishnan Education Commission (1948-49) and the National Council for Rural Higher Education led by Dr. K. Shrimali, the then Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education. Additionally, GRI incorporates insights from established global models, including the Folks Hojskole system of Denmark by N.F. S. Gruntvig (1844), the Land-grant University system of the USA (1862), and the Sriniketan Experiment of Shantiniketan by Tagore (1922).

Administered by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and fully funded through UGC, New Delhi, GRI has developed academic programs encompassing rural development, rural economics and extension education, rural-oriented sciences, cooperation, development administration, rural sociology, English, Tamil, and Indian languages. The institute offers B.Tech. in civil engineering with a focus on habitat development, M.Tech. in renewable energy, and a B.Sc Agriculture program. GRI remains dedicated to pioneering rural higher education and making meaningful contributions to societal progress.