Dr. Pradeep P. Thevannoor, the late Vice Chairman of SCMS Group, was a great visionary and a source of inspiration for all of us at SCMS Group. He worked relentlessly to take SCMS to great heights in quality and excellence. A man of fertile imagination and untiring energy, he was in a hurry to accomplish his pet projects. SCMS School of Engineering & Technology was closest to his heart. He was also the guiding force and inspiration behind SCMS School of Architecture, SCMS Water Institute, SCMS Institute of Bio-science and Biotechnology Research and Development; and projects like the now-famous neera, biofuel from coconut oil, the anti-diabetic tea powder ‘stevia tea’ and a host of other ventures. The research & development of these products were inspired and initiated by him. He travelled widely, to spread the wings of SCMS around the globe. However, his unfinished mission was the establishment of academic institutions in London and Bangalore. He passed away in a car accident when he was on his way to Bangalore, for a project evaluation on 17.11.2014. true to his nature, he lived for SCMS and died for it.