Dr. D. Viswanathan, the former vice chancellor of Anna University is acclaimed for his versatile knowledge and hard work. He has made remarkable multifaceted achievements in the areas of teaching, research, invention and extension activities. Starting from a modest career as a lecturer in mechanical engineering, he rose to the highest position of Vice-Chancellor of Anna University. During his tenure he brought about many changes in the academics and education system as well.

He did his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Annamalai University, Master's Degree in Production Engineering in the College of Engineering, Guindy, and Ph.D in the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, under the Quality Improvement Programme. As a part of his doctoral programme, he worked in the Trishul missile project, headed by former president Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was then Director of the DRDL. He was closely associated with the DRDO, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Dr. D. Viswanathan was the recipient of the most coveted award namely "OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF ACADEMIC PALMS" from the Prime Minister of the French Republic in the year 2008. This award was instituted by the French Emperor Nepolean in the year 1808 to honour the distinguished academicians in France.

He also received the most prestigious "International Socrates Award" from the European Business Assembly, UK. This award was conferred on him for his outstanding achievements in excellence in technical education and research, remarkable reputation and successful professional achievements. He is the first Indian to receive these awards.

Besides, he was instrumental in starting the Department of Media Sciences, the Audio Visual Research Centre and the Centre for Educational Media Technologies at Anna University. After scripting such a remarkable multifaceted achievements in education sector and spearheading the prestigious Anna University. Dr. D. Viswanathan is now guiding and advising Vels Srinivasa College of Engineering and Technology for quality education. His vast experience as a academic scholar, a high profile scientist, an able administrator and a conscious innovator will take the institution to greater heights. He has chalked out plans to set up Smart Class Rooms, New Research Labs, Employability training, Communication skills training and other state of the art facilities that will ascend the institution as one of the top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu.