SDM College, Ujire, is an autonomous institution affiliated with Mangalore University. Established in 1966, the college offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on a serene campus nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, India. Accredited with an A++ Grade by NAAC on a seven-point scale in its Fourth Cycle, the college stands out for its academic excellence. It is also a recognized research center for Mangalore University and Kannada University, Hampi. The institution is managed by the SDM Educational Society and guided by the visionary leadership of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
The lotus at the base of the emblem represents the blossoming of one’s personality, while the lighted lamp at the center symbolizes a burning desire for knowledge and truth. Surrounding the lamp are three concentric layers, which signify the core elements of the educational journey: Perception, Knowledge, and Conduct—where perception evolves into true knowledge, and knowledge, in turn, shapes refined conduct. This philosophy is encapsulated in the institution’s motto: “Samyagdarshana Jnaana Chaaritraani”, which emphasizes the cultivation of a spirit of inquiry—essential for acquiring knowledge, achieving true awareness, and fostering the development of character.
The Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational [SDME] Society, Ujire®, was established with the primary objective of making education both accessible and affordable to rural youth. Guided by its hallmark vision—”Adding Value into Education”—the Society today oversees 56 educational institutions across Karnataka, spanning from Kindergarten to Doctoral Studies.
These institutions offer high-quality education across diverse disciplines, including General Education, Law, Technical, Medical, and Management Studies. Emphasizing both value-based learning and industry-relevant skill Component, the SDME Society ensures its students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a dynamic world.
Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala, is a multifaceted leader who seamlessly blends spiritual, social, and educational roles. As the head of a revered religious institution that draws millions of devotees, he also serves as a dispenser of justice, upholding the legacy of the Chaturvidha Daanaparamparaa—the fourfold tradition of charity: Annadana – Free food,Vidya Daana – Free education,Aushada Daana – Free medicine and healthcare,Abhaya Daana – Succor. Under his visionary leadership, these values have found renewed significance and impactful implementation at Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala. As President of the SDM Educational Society, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade is the guiding spirit behind more than 56 educational institutions across Karnataka, offering programs from Kindergarten to Doctoral Studies in diverse fields such as Technical, Medical, Management, Law, and General Higher Education. His dedication to holistic education is rooted in the belief that learning must be both value-based and empowering. In the realm of rural development, Dr. Heggade has made transformative contributions. He founded the Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP), which has empowered thousands of rural individuals through microfinance, skill-building, and self-reliance. His nationwide initiative, Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institutes (RUDSETI), has created livelihood opportunities for countless unemployed youth. Another notable initiative is the Shri Dharmasthala Siri Gramodyoga Samsthe (SIRI), a social welfare organization that promotes rural entrepreneurship-especially among women—enabling them to lead lives of dignity and self-sufficiency.Dr. Heggade’s tireless commitment to societal welfare has earned him numerous national and international accolades. Among the most prestigious are the Ashden International Gold Award (commonly known as the Green Oscar) and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Dr. Vishwanatha P, the Principal of SDM College (Autonomous), Ujire, previously held distinguished roles as the Dean of the SDM Post Graduate Centre, Ujire and the Head of the Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Chemistry. He has been teaching Chemistry at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels for the past 34 years. Dr. Vishwanatha P completed his MSc in Chemistry with Organic Chemistry specialization from Mangalore University in 1990 and his PhD in Heterocyclic Chemistry in 1999. He joined SDM College, Ujire as a lecturer in Chemistry in 1991 and recently promoted to Professor by the Department of Collegiate Education, Bangalore, Karnataka as per UGC Regulations, New Delhi, applicable from 2016. He also served as the Coordinator of the Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Chemistry since 2008, Head of the Department of Chemistry from 2013 to 2020, and the Dean of the SDM Post Graduate Centre, Ujire, from 2020 to 2025.
Dr. Vishwanatha P has actively participated in numerous educational programs and has organized several national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposiums. He has also been actively involved in research, publishing 38 research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
From 2016 to 2021, he led the SDM Research Centre as Director, affiliated with Tumkur University. He served as a distinguished research guide at Tumkur University, shaping scholarly pursuits with his expertise and guided one PhD and one MPhil student. He has successfully led three minor research projects in Chemistry, sanctioned by the UGC, New Delhi. He also contributed as a Co-Investigator for a research project granted to the Department of Chemistry by VGST, Government of Karnataka. Additionally, he functioned as the Chairman of the Project Implementation Group for the DST-FIST PG Level Project, awarded to the SDM PG Centre by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Dr. Vishwanatha P has a long and distinguished record of service to SDM College. From 1994 to 2003, he dedicated himself as the Rover/Ranger Programme Officer, fostering leadership and service among youth. He later extended his commitment to community service as the NSS Programme Officer from 2003 to 2007, inspiring students to engage in social responsibility. He has been involved in a number of administrative and academic activities, including serving as Chairman of the Academic Planning and Assessment Committee (2008-2013), Academic Council member (since 2013), Member of IQAC (since 2014), Secretary of SDM Staff Association (2015-2016), and Chairman of the NAAC Criteria II (2014-2020), Co-ordinator of CPE Scheme of UGC, New Delhi, SDM College, Ujire (2014-2019) and Consultant for Water Quality Maintenance at the SDM Swimming Pool since 2020.
In addition to his work at SDM College, Dr. Vishwanatha is also involved in a number of professional organizations. He served as the Vice President of the Association of Mangalore University College Teachers (AMUCT) from 2015 to 2017 and continues to be an active member of the association. He was also a member of the Board of Studies in Chemistry at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and continues to be a member at Government Science College, Hassan, and Vivekananda College, Puttur.
Institutional Best Practices are evolved based on the values upon which the institution is built. The college was established with the motto of Samyak Darshana Jnana Charitryani, meaning embolden Right perspective-Right conduct. Hence, the best practices of the college are aligned with the inculcation of these values among the learners through various initiatives and activities. Carbon neutral campus, energy conservation and use of alternative energy, green cover and botanical gardens, water conservation, management of hazardous waste, reduction in the use of plastic products, rain water harvesting, organic waste management, use of solar energy are some of the best practices in the campus. In addition to these, the college introduced innovations in curricular and co-curricular activities, social responsibility series, optimum utilization of the library facilities, and promotion of research culture in the campus through various initiatives.
The Students’ Grievances Redressal Cell is responsible for receiving and addressing students’ representations, complaints, and grievances related to general administration, examinations and evaluations, and any other issues affecting their experience at the college.
Students’ Grievances Redressal Cell Meeting Minutes
The Committee has been established to ensure the safety and security of female students and women on campus, as well as to address their grievances. It provides a dedicated platform for hearing complaints and works to maintain a healthy and secure environment in and around the college.
The Anti-Ragging Committee of the college strictly enforces a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy against ragging in any form. It operates in accordance with the statutory regulations framed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Since ragging is a cognizable offense, anyone found participating in or encouraging such behavior will be promptly handed over to the appropriate legal authorities, as per G.O. Ed 122 URC-96 dated 16-01-1997.
Read More... Objectives : Actions: Methodology :
Vision: Ragging free campus for higher education
Mission : To prevent ragging in any of its form – Physical , mental or emotional.
Dr. Vishwanatha P, Principal
Chairman
Mrs. Nanda Kumari K P, Vice Principal
Member
Dr. Shridhar N Bhtta, Registrar (Administration)
Member
Mr. Ganesh Nayak, Registrar (Evaluation)
Member
Dr. Sowmya B P, Dean, PG Studies
Member
Dr. Bhaskar Hegde, Arts Dean
Member
Dr. Savitha Kumari, Science Dean
Member
Ms. Shakunthala, Commerce Dean
Member
Mr. Shreyas B
Co-ordinator
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Member, Discipline Committee
Member
Mr. Sheena Naik H (Parent)
Member
Mr. Sudeesh Gowda III BCA
Student Representative
Ms. Navyashrei II B.Sc A
Student Representative
Anti-Ragging Committee Meeting Minutes
The SC/ST Cell of the college was established to empower students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The college actively facilitates financial support for these students through government schemes and other funding sources.