Centenary Celebrations of Andhra University

On the occasion of the Centenary celebrations of Andhra University, Dignitaries sharing the dais with me – Hon’ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh & Chancellor of Andhra University, Shri Abdul Nazeer Garu; Hon’ble Former Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu; Hon’ble dynamic and visionary Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Garu; Our young and promising Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu Garu; Bharat Ratna & Former Member of Rajya Sabha, a legendary sportsperson and a symbol of excellence, Shri Sachin Tendulkar Ji; Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. K. Haribabu Garu; Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries; and Steel, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma Garu; Hon’ble Minister of IT & HRD, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Lokesh Garu; In-charge Minister for Visakhapatnam district, Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy Garu; GMR Group, Shri Grandhi Mallikarjun Rao Garu; Cyient Group, BVR Mohan Reddy Garu; Vice-Chancellor, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Prof. G.P. Raja Sekhar Garu; My dear students, faculty members, staff, alumni of this great university.

It is a privilege to be here with you all on this historic occasion as we celebrate a century of excellence at Andhra University—an institution that has witnessed history and also helped to shape it. For one hundred years, this great university has served as a melting pot of ideas, promoting character and leadership, nurturing generations who have gone on to enrich our nation in countless ways. I recall with deep respect the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Garu, the University’s second Vice-Chancellor, and former Hon’ble President and first Vice-President of India, whose intellectual brilliance and moral clarity elevated the standards of higher education in India as also the political discourse in India. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Garu Ji’s vision of education as a means to cultivate both intellect and character continues to resonate deeply, especially on an occasion such as this.

It is a matter of great pride that Shri C. V. Raman Ji, one of India’s most celebrated scientists and a Nobel prize winner had his school education upto PUC from Vishakapatnam. Among the other distinguished alumni of this University stands Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu, our former Hon’ble Vice-President of India. The University has also given to the nation five Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardees, two Padma Vibhusans, three Padma Shri awardees and a Sahitya Academy Puraskar.

Andhra University continues to distinguish itself as a beacon of academic excellence and institutional integrity through its outstanding performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework Rankings 2025. Securing the 4th position among State Public Universities, 23rd in the University category, and an impressive 41st among all higher education institutions in India, the University has demonstrated its commitment to quality education, impactful research, and holistic development. Complementing these achievements is its prestigious NAAC A++ rating, which reflects the highest standards of education. These achievements stand as a testament to the dedication of its faculty, the accomplishments of its students, and the enduring legacy of excellence that defines Andhra University.

On this momentous occasion, I also appreciate the dedicated faculty and staff of Andhra University, whose commitment forms the very backbone of its enduring excellence. It is through their collective passion and hard work that Andhra University continues to thrive as a center of learning, innovation, and nation-building. This is my second visit to Visakhapatnam since assuming the office of the Vice- President of India. I had visited Vishakapatnam last year in November for the 30th CII Partnership Summit. In the short period since my last visit, I am happy to see that under the visionary leadership of Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Garu, the state has accelerated its development journey, attracting significant investments and strengthening its position as a hub of innovation and growth. It is especially encouraging to see global technology leaders like Google showing interest and investing in the region, reflecting growing confidence in Andhra Pradesh’s potential.

I congratulate the state government and our young & promising IT Minister Shri Nara Lokesh Garu.  Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu Garu, recipient of many National and International awards, Andhra Pradesh continues to strive towards becoming a model of sustainable development and opportunity, inspiring confidence in its future.

I also extend my heartiest congratulations on Amaravati being declared the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh following the recent passage of the Bill in Parliament. I am proud to tell you that I was presiding over the Rajya Sabha when the bill was passed and I could witness the joy on the face of the people from Andhra present in the House. This landmark decision reflects the collective aspirations of the people and provides clarity and stability for the state’s administrative future. As Amaravati grows into a vibrant center of governance and development, I am sure it will usher in sustained progress, unity, and prosperity for all citizens of Andhra Pradesh.

I recall our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji had said last year while chairing the 10th governing council meeting of NITI Aayog that Viksit Bharat can only be realized through Viksit States. Andhra Pradesh today stands out as one of India’s fastest-moving growth engines, guided by the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and strengthened by the steadfast support of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The State has moved with clarity, confidence and execution, turning policy intent into a strong pipeline of projects, jobs and regionally balanced development.

In 2025-26, Andhra Pradesh also emerged as the leading State in India in proposed investments, accounting for more than 25 percent that one quarter of the national total.  This reinforces the message that Andhra Pradesh is increasingly being seen as one of the country’s most credible destinations for large-scale capital deployment. Andhra Pradesh has institutionalized time-bound clearances, transparent governance and a coordinated single-window framework through which investors get seamless access to land, power, connectivity and skilled talent. This is why the State is increasingly seen as a location that offers incentives and has a government that works as a partner in execution.

Visakhapatnam is also emerging as a major gateway for the State’s next phase of growth, especially in data centres, IT, tourism, electronics and global digital infrastructure. The Google AI and hyperscale data centre campus, Sify’s data centre, IT and ITES investments by major firms, and hospitality projects together position Vizag as a powerful economic and technology hub. Andhra Pradesh’s recent journey shows that when visionary leadership is matched by execution, investor confidence and national support, everything become possible. Under the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s leadership, and with the encouragement of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the State is setting a compelling example of speed of doing business, industrial transformation, regional balance and institution-building for a Viksit Bharat.

As we celebrate this centenary of Andhra University, we do so at a time when India is re-imagining its educational and developmental trajectory. The National Education Policy 2020 calls for a holistic, multi-disciplinary, and forward-looking approach to learning—one that aligns seamlessly with the legacy and potential of institutions like Andhra University. It urges us to foster critical thinking, innovation, and research, while remaining rooted in our cultural ethos.

As we look ahead, it is important that our institutions continue to expand opportunities for women in education, research, and leadership. An empowered woman is not only a catalyst for change within her family but also a corner-stone of a progressive and equitable society. Andhra University has been an example in fostering an environment where women can excel without barriers.

I urge all the students here to actively embrace emerging new-age technologies and shape the future with confidence and curiosity. Fields like Artificial Intelligence, data science, robotics, space research and digital innovation are transforming every aspect of life, and staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptability. By combining these modern skills with strong values and critical thinking, our students can become leaders of change and contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. I also urge all of you to serve the society. You may live not only for yourself or your family but also contribute to those in the society who are less fortunate than you. I also urge all youth to say ‘No to Drugs’. Not only you, but your family and your friends should be free from drugs.

This centenary celebrations is a reflection on the past with pride and about looking ahead with determination. With a rich legacy behind it and immense potential ahead, Andhra University will lead in innovation, inclusivity, and nation-building. It must continue to serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, between knowledge and action. As we honour this remarkable milestone, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening our educational institutions, empowering our youth, and building a future that reflects the highest ideals of our nation. My heartiest congratulations to the entire Andhra University community on this momentous occasion.

• Jai Hind!
• Jai Andhra!
• Long Live Mother Bharat!

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