Gandhigram Rural Institute became a reality through the dedicated efforts of some devoted disciples and followers of Mahatma Gandhi. Dr.T.S.Soundaram and Dr.G.Ramachandran can be given credit for the development of this institute.

Gandhigram Rural Institute became a reality through the dedicated efforts of some devoted disciples and followers of Mahatma Gandhi. Dr.T.S.Soundaram and Dr.G.Ramachandran can be given credit for the development of this institute. The Gandhigram Rural Institute came into existence in the year 1956 as a tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi?s vision of Nai Talim. Keeping in his vision as a guiding principle the Institute named Gandhigram Rural institute (GRI) also runs courses that could prove beneficial for the development of village and may guide the villages towards self-sustainable economy. The courses offered by GRI are efficient enough to bring villagers out from the vicious cycle of poverty.

Besides running courses the institute also provides opportunities for the research. Due to its dedicated efforts towards training the manpower for the betterment of rural life the institute is getting appreciation from the various quarters. Due to its great work, the institute have been given the deemed university status by government of India in the year 1976.

From a very small start the institute has become one of the able custodians of rural education. The Gandhigran Rural institute of today has a sprawling campus and it offers graduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs. The institute caters to a large number of students who come here to meet their different goals and objectives. But their one goal is same. That is carrying forward the vision of Gandhiji.