Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU), Tirunelveli established in 1970.

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) is a dynamic institution of higher learning, set in a rural milieu of southern Tamil Nadu, with a campus spread of 550 acres.

The University was established by the Government of Tamil Nady as a teaching-cum-affiliating University on 7th September, 1990 to cater to the long-felt needs of the people of the three southern most districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari.

It was named after the reowned Tamil Poet Scholar, Professor P. Sundaram Pillai (1855-1897), the author of the famous verse drama Manonmaniam. It is his poem that has become 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu" the official invocation song sung in all functions in Tamilnadu.

The motto of the University is "Reaching the Unreached". Around 2400 students are studying in this institution directly. The University has under its jurisdiction 77 affiliated Colleges, 6 University Colleges and 4 Constituent Colleges, about 1,20,000 students in regular mode and 40,000 students in distance mode.

These colleges, amongst which three are over 100 years old viz., St. John's College, M.D.T. Hindu College, and Sarah Tucker College the oldest women's college in the state, have contributed decisively to the cause of higher education of this region.

The main focus of the university is to produce individuals who have the expertise and intellectual curiosity to make a difference in their profession and the society and in conducting the research needed to meet the challenges facing the contemporary world. This is keeping us in line with the vision-2023 document of our Honourable Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr.Ms.J. Jayalalitha, and her aim to impart quality higher education to the students.

Majority of the students of this University belong to the rural and economically weaker sections of the society. Hence, this University imparts education at nominal and affordable cost. The Curricula of the courses offered by this University are periodically updated and the University has resourceful teachers to deliver the same.

VISION

"In pursuit of Excellence"

"By providing quality education, especially for the rural and the un-reached"

"Through innovation in teaching, research and extension activites"

"By promoting human values for social harmony"

MISSION

" To conduct research, teaching and outreach programme to improve conditions of human living".

" To create an academic environment that honours women and men of all races, caste, creed, cultures and an atmosphere that values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, academic freedom and integrity".

" To offer a wide variety of off-campus educational and training programs, including the use of information technology, to individuals and groups".

" To develop partnership with industries and government so as to improve the quality of the workplace and to serve as catalyst for economic and culture development".

" To provide quality / inclusive education, especially for the rural and un-reached segments of economically downtrodden students including women, socially oppressed and differently abled".