Andhra University Aims for Global Prestige with Alumni Support: Nara Lokesh

Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics Nara Lokesh emphasized that restoring Andhra University (AU) to its former glory and placing it among India’s top three universities and the world’s top 100 is a serious endeavor, not a joke or a magic trick. He made these remarks at the AU Annual Alumni Meet held at the AU Convention Center in Visakhapatnam.

Nara Lokesh attended the event as the chief guest, joined by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, GMR Group Chairman Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, and Padma Shri awardee Dr. S.V. Adinarayana Rao’s wife, Shashiprabha, among other dignitaries.

In his speech, Lokesh stressed that the vision of making Andhra University a globally recognized institution aligns with the aspirations of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He expressed confidence that with collective efforts from the government, university faculty, educationists, alumni, and industrial leaders, this goal is achievable.

Alumni's Role in AU’s Revival
Lokesh urged AU alumni to contribute actively toward the university’s development, emphasizing that their professional success reflects the institution's strong foundation. He highlighted the accomplishments of AU alumni in various fields, including notable figures like mathematician C.R. Rao, former UGC Vice Chairman B.R. Rao, former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, and industrial leaders like Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, Neeli Bendapudi, and B.V.R. Mohan Reddy.

Declining University Rankings
Despite its historic reputation, Andhra University’s recent decline in national rankings was acknowledged. It dropped from 16th place in the NIRF University Rankings in 2019 to 25th in 2024. Similarly, its overall category ranking fell from 29th to 41st.

Vision for the Future
Minister Nara Lokesh reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing AU's infrastructure, modernizing curricula, and recruiting top-tier faculty through dedicated drives. He announced plans to establish an AI Center of Excellence at AU, transforming it into a global incubation hub led by world-class educators.

“Our dedication to reviving Andhra University’s past glory is unwavering,” Lokesh asserted, emphasizing that a collective effort will help achieve this ambitious vision.