P Dayananda Pai is an Indian billionaire, real estate developer, philanthropist and educationist in Bengaluru, India. He is a managing trustee and board trustee of B.M.S college and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and is the syndicate member of Manipal University and the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal and a former syndicate member of Mangalore University. Pai was awarded the Karnataka Udyog award and the Karnataka Rajyotsva award for social and charitable activities. He was conferred an honorary doctorate by Mangalore University for his exceptional contribution to the field of education and philanthropy.
He is also the founder of Vidyashilp Academy.
Dr P. Dayananda Pai (born 8 February 1945) was born in Mangaluru, Karnataka. He completed his education in Mangalore before earning a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from SJCE, Mysuru, and a Bachelor of Laws (B.L.) from Sharada Vilas Law College, Mysuru. His multidisciplinary education laid the foundation for a career that would later bridge business, law, and education.
Pai is the co-founder of Century Real Estate, one of IndiaâÂÂs largest real estate companies, known for its transformation from a land-aggregation firm into an integrated developer.
Pai serves as the Chairman of BMS College of Engineering and BMS College of Architecture, under the B.M.S. Educational Trust. He is a trustee of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, and a member of the governing councils of NIT Surathkal and Manipal University.
Dr Dayananda Pai makes significant philanthropic contributions in education, healthcare, and community development. Through the Century Pai Foundation, he has initiated several health and social welfare programs, including free medical camps and wellness drives for residents of Channahalli village, Karnataka. The foundation also supports scholarships for underprivileged students, rural infrastructure improvement, and cultural preservation projects across Karnataka.
Pai has made substantial contributions to educational institutions in his hometown of Mangaluru. He fully funded the construction of a Government First Grade College at Car Street, Mangaluru, covering all expenses of approximately â¹4 crore, without any government funding. He and his brother jointly donated â¹8 crore to educational causes, including â¹4.5 crore to government and womenâÂÂs colleges in Mangaluru. In 2023, the foundation stone was laid for a â¹65 crore auditorium at Canara Engineering College, Mangaluru, named the **Dayananda PaiâÂÂSatish Pai Auditorium**, commemorating the brothersâ decades-long contribution to education and philanthropy. He continues to support initiatives under the Spoorthi Charitable Trust, focusing on literacy, womenâÂÂs empowerment, and social inclusion.
Dr P. Dayananda Pai received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2010) for social service, one of the stateâÂÂs highest civilian honours. Mangalore University conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt.) at its 2009 convocation for contributions to education and philanthropy. He has also been reported as a recipient of the Karnataka Udyoga Ratna recognising industry and public service. Pai was honoured with the Ko Ma Karanth Award (2009) for philanthropy and public service in coastal Karnataka. He received an award (2009)** from the Mangalore Management Association for leadership in business. Reports also note his Navaratna Award (Gokarna Math) recognising charitable and cultural contributions. As long-term recognition, the World Konkani Centre has instituted annual "Dr P. Dayananda Paiâ Vishwa Konkani awards in theatre and translation, named in his honour. University/institutions frequently reiterate these honours alongside his honorary doctorate for social and educational service.
In 2012,Pai was named in an inquiry concerning land transactions in Bengaluru; he denied any wrongdoing and no formal charges were filed.
In 2023, his appointment as Life Trustee of the B.M.S. Educational Trust came under public and political scrutiny. Opposition leaders questioned the transparency of the process, and the Karnataka government ordered an inquiry into alleged procedural irregularities.
In October 2012, Pai's car was shot by two motorbikers after getting calls from a Bangkok-based extortionist. Two motorbikers came from both sides of his car and each shot the car once. Pai was saved by his bullet proof Bentley.
In 2009, a proposed high-value real estate transaction involving a portion of the Bangalore Palace grounds between Dayananda Pai and the Wadiyar royal family drew media attention. The deal, reportedly worth several hundred crore rupees, was intended to develop parts of the estate commercially. However, negotiations broke down following disagreements over legal compliance, revenue sharing, and valuation terms. Both parties later confirmed that the agreement had been cancelled, with no transfer of land taking place. The episode was widely covered in the Bengaluru press and cited as one of the cityâÂÂs most closely watched private property negotiations.