Rev. Dr. Maria Antony Raj, SDB, the Principal of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur is a veteran with over 32 years of service as a dedicated Salesian and 18 years of experience as an eminent educator in the field of Higher Education and Research. As the Salesian Charter describes the Salesian Mission, so too has he embarked on an exercise of spiritual and corporal works of charity towards the development and the education of the youth in the growth of the nation. Being a practical and noble man, he lived his life based on a deep love for God & Mother Mary and has served at several portfolios and designations in the College and the Salesian province.

In 2017 he was elected as the momentous Member of the Syndicate, which is the highest decision making body along with the Vice Chancellor of Thiruvalluvar University, a Public State University in the city of Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. It is only noteworthy to mention that only two principals can adhere to the post of being a syndicate member for 3 years and Rev. Dr. Maria Antony Raj, SDB is one of them. His candidature as a syndicate member is part of the TUDA (Thiruvalluvar University Development Association), a Private College Association in which Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, is a prime member.

Rev. Dr. Maria Antony Raj, SDB, was conferred with the prestigious Doctorate Degree from Periyar University, Salem and also holds a D.Litt (Doctor of Letters), an honorary degree by the University of South America. As an academician with a flair for research he has published 26 articles in International Journals and 14 papers of high accord in national journals. He is also a key reviewer of many highly acclaimed international journals. With a passion for academics and research, he has visited many countries of high stature like Rome, Spain, Italy and Dubai to quench his thirst for knowledge and to inculcate best practices in his own institution. He is also a distinguished University Representative and chief assessor for the commencement of new courses in colleges.

He is dexterous in the field of Human Resources, Marketing, Finance and Accounting which is of high accord. Also being a man of simple stature with a vision towards the betterment of the nation he has been the epicenter of facilitating, acquiring and leading national and internationals projects, proposals, conferences and seminars of high significance.

Rev. Dr. Maria Antony Raj is a reputed member and an active participant in the professional body ARIPD. He is also the Director of Sacred Heart Institute of Management. He is an efficient Event Manager and a well acclaimed Administrator. In his tenure, he has brought rich laurels to Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur. He has encouraged many staff members and students to pursue and complete their doctoral degree.

He has been instrumental in inculcating highly commended practices which include the digitalization of the college administration, establishment of Wi-Fi campus for both staff and students, bringing about a well-organized platform for the visit and study of international students in the institution, signing of MOU’s with reputed institutions abroad and in India, such as Alcala University - Spain, IFCU – Italy, SSN Research Centre – Chennai, Loyola Academy – Hyderabad etc. He is a forerunner in inculcating green practices in the college with programmes like the ‘No Drive Day’ to conserve Mother Nature.
Rev. Dr. Maria Antony Raj has dedicated his very being towards the holistic development of Sacred Heart College and the Salesian Province. He is often seen with the youth promoting the ideologies and ethos of Don Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Congregation. As the famous Zen Philosopher, Lao Tzu once noted that ‘the journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step’, so too has he embarked on leaving behind milestones of high significance with every foot print and heart he has touched as a proud and steadfast Salesian.