CHENNAI: Vels Deemed University has acquired the MGR Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women in Adyar, Chennai, for an undisclosed sum. The university, which already runs a range of institutions, including arts and science colleges, medical colleges, and engineering colleges, will now bring the women’s college under its administration.
Founded in 1996 by Latha Rajendran — the foster daughter of former Chief Minister MGR and a close relative of his wife, Janaki Ramachandran — the MGR Janaki college was established on the site of the former Sathya Studios. It began with just 70 students and has since grown significantly, now enrolling around 4,000 students.
The institution currently offers 20 undergraduate and six postgraduate programmes, supported by a faculty of approximately 160 members.
According to sources, documents have been submitted to the University of Madras, seeking the withdrawal of the college’s affiliation from the university. This development was discussed during a recent syndicate meeting of the University of Madras.
Vels University, which functions as a deemed-to-be university, is expected to bring MGR Janaki College under its direct administration from the coming academic year. Existing students will continue their studies under the University of Madras curriculum until they complete their courses.
However, from the next academic year, admissions for first-year students will be conducted by Vels University.
Notably, the current chancellor of Vels University, Ishari K Ganesh, is the son of former MLA Isari Velan, who was also known to be close to former Chief Minister MGR.