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Andhra University a ‘Melting Pot of Ideas and Leadership’, Says Vice-President at the Centenary Celebrations of the University in Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh Emerging as a Major Investment and Innovation Hub: Vice-President
Amaravati as Permanent Capital Reflects People’s Aspirations: Vice-President
‘Viksit Bharat Requires Viksit States’: Vice-President Echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Posted On:
27 APR 2026 7:15PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, graced the Centenary Celebrations of Andhra University in Visakhapatnam today.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said it was a privilege to be part of the historic occasion marking a century of excellence of Andhra University, an institution that has not only witnessed history but has also helped shape it. He noted that over the past hundred years, the University has served as a melting pot of ideas, nurturing generations of students who have contributed significantly to nation-building.
Recalling with deep respect the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of the University and one of India’s most distinguished philosophers and statesmen, the Vice-President highlighted his vision of education as a means to cultivate both intellect and character. He said that this vision continues to resonate strongly even today.
The Vice-President also highlighted the association of eminent personalities with Visakhapatnam, including Nobel Laureate C. V. Raman, who pursued his early education in the city, and former Vice-President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, a distinguished alumnus of the University. He noted that Andhra University has produced several eminent personalities, including recipients of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, and Sahitya Akademi honours.
Referring to his earlier visit to Visakhapatnam for the 30th CII Partnership Summit, the Vice-President expressed satisfaction at the rapid progress made by Andhra Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. He noted that the State has accelerated its development journey, attracting significant investments and strengthening its position as a hub of innovation and growth. He also acknowledged the role of IT Minister Shri Nara Lokesh in promoting the State’s technology ecosystem.
Highlighting the increasing global confidence in Andhra Pradesh, the Vice-President referred to the interest and investments by leading technology companies such as Google. He noted that Visakhapatnam is emerging as a key growth hub, particularly in sectors such as data centres, IT, tourism, electronics, and digital infrastructure, with major projects including hyperscale data centres and IT investments.
The Vice-President congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh on Amaravati being declared the permanent capital of the State following the passage of the relevant Bill in Parliament. He noted that he had the privilege of presiding over the Rajya Sabha during the passage of the Bill and witnessed the joy and pride of the people. He described the decision as a reflection of the collective aspirations of the people and one that will provide clarity, stability, and direction for the State’s administrative future.
Referring to the vision of a developed India, the Vice-President recalled the words of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that “Viksit Bharat can only be realized through Viksit States.” He said Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the fastest-growing States, driven by visionary leadership, strong governance, and effective execution.
He noted that Andhra Pradesh has become a leading destination for investments, accounting for over 25 percent of the country’s proposed investments in 2025–26. He highlighted the State’s investor-friendly policies, including time-bound clearances, transparent governance, and a robust single-window system providing seamless access to land, power, connectivity, and skilled workforce.
Mentioning that success takes time, the Vice-President said that even the “God of Cricket,” as Sachin Tendulkar is fondly called, had to wait to achieve his century of centuries. He emphasized that patience is essential to achieving success.
He added that one must learn to manage internal pressure. He said failures teach valuable lessons and should not be allowed to demoralize individuals, urging everyone to face life with confidence.
During the occasion, the Vice-President conferred Distinguished Alumni Awards on M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice-President of India; K. Hari Babu, Governor of Odisha; Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, Founder & Chairman of GMR Group; K. Padmanabhaiah, former Union Home Secretary, Government of India; B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, Founder & Executive Chairman of Cyient; Satyanarayana Chava, Founder & CEO of Laurus Labs; V. S. Raju, former Director, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; M. R. Madhav, former Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur; Vijay Joshi, CEO of Press Trust of India; and Trivikram Srinivas, filmmaker.
Vice President also released a commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and a coffee table book on the occasion. Three MoUs were also exchanged between Andhra University and the University of Florida, USA; Oxmiq Labs Inc., USA; and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in the presence of the Vice President. He later visited a photo exhibition showcasing the history of Andhra University and its evolution.
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chancellor of Andhra University Shri Abdul Nazeer; former Vice-President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu; Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu; Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu; Legendary cricketer Shri Sachin Tendulkar; Governor of Odisha
Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati ; Union Minister of State Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma; Minister for IT & HRD Shri Nara Lokesh; Minister for Social Welfare Shri Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy; Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. P. Raja Sekhar; along with students, faculty members, staff, and alumni were present on the occasion.
Earlier today, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan offered prayers at Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple and Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district.
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PR/ASM/VM
(Release ID: 2256043)
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