PES College of Engineering, Mandya

Six Decades of Empowering Rural India Through Technical Excellence

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Established in 1962 by the People's Education Society, now known as the People's Education Trust, PES College of Engineering (PESCE), Mandya was the realization of a dream nurtured by the late K.V. Shankaragowda, a visionary leader, philanthropist, and former Education Minister of Karnataka. Driven by a deep commitment to social upliftment, Shankaragowda envisioned a future where engineering education was no longer the privilege of the urban elite, but a gateway to opportunity for students from agrarian and underprivileged backgrounds.

His vision, fueled by the collective support of Mandya's generous farming community, took root on a sprawling 62-acre campus. It was here that the seeds of a future-forward, inclusive technical institution were sown—one that would eventually blossom into a cornerstone of Karnataka's higher education system. The founding of the People's Education Society in 1958 laid the groundwork for this ambitious endeavor. Initially offering programs in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering, PESCE rapidly established itself as a center of academic rigor and technological advancement.

Shankaragowda led the institution until 1990, after which Dr. H.D. Chowdaiah, an educationist with a deep reverence for the founder's ideals, carried the torch forward. Under his leadership, the college expanded its infrastructure and academic offerings, including the establishment of a national-level sports complex. His tenure, which lasted until 2020, was marked by steady growth and a strengthening of institutional identity.

Today, under the guidance of K.S. Vijay Anand, President of the People's Education Trust, PESCE continues to advance the legacy of its founders with renewed energy and a focus on research, innovation, and industry relevance.