Vice President Calls for Andhra University’s Global Rise
Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan on Monday said Andhra University should transform into a globally reputed institution as it completed 100 years of service in higher education.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the university’s centenary celebrations, he said higher educational institutions must move beyond the traditional role of awarding degrees and develop into centres of innovation, research, and skill development.
Paying tribute to his teachers, Radhakrishnan said their guidance had been instrumental in shaping his life and career. He said Andhra University had given him a strong academic foundation.
He recalled the role played by several eminent personalities in building the institution and praised the vision of C R Reddy and the leadership of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in taking the university to greater heights. He also acknowledged the support extended by Maharaja Vikram Dev Varma of Jeypore, the rulers of Vizianagaram, Bobbili, and other princely states.
Addressing students, the Vice President said degrees alone would not be enough in a changing world and urged them to acquire new-age skills. Universities, he said, should also emerge as research hubs with studies aligned to grassroots needs.
He stressed the need to create awareness about patents, encourage interest in pure sciences, and prioritise environmental protection to tackle global challenges.
Referring to Andhra Pradesh’s development, he said the state was progressing with clear goals under the leadership of the Chief Minister and with the support of the Union Government. Educational institutions such as Andhra University, he said, had an important role in attracting investments and supporting economic growth.
Radhakrishnan said Visakhapatnam was fast emerging as a hub for information technology, data centres, tourism, and digital infrastructure. Investments such as Google AI and Adani Data Centres would further strengthen the city’s position as an economic centre, he added.
Urging students not to be discouraged by failures, he cited Sachin Tendulkar’s perseverance in reaching his 100th international century and said patience and self-belief were essential for success.
He also underlined the importance of punctuality and effective time management, saying those who value time are more likely to succeed.
Expressing confidence in the university’s future, he said Andhra University had already signed Memorandums of Understanding with several international universities and would soon secure a place among the world’s leading institutions.
Later, Radhakrishnan, along with Governor S Abdul Nazeer, presented Excellence Awards and centenary mementoes to former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Odisha Governor Kambhampati Haribabu, GMR Group founder G M Rao, B V R Mohan Reddy, Satyanarayana, Prof M R Madhav, and filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas.