Universities Must Become Innovation Hubs, Says AP CM; Rs.500 Cr Announced for Andhra University
Visakhapatnam, Apr 27 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said universities must evolve into centres of innovation and entrepreneurship, announcing a ₹500 crore corpus fund for the development of Andhra University.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Andhra university here, the Chief Minister emphasised that educational institutions are national assets and should be strengthened to meet global standards.
On the occasion, he inaugurated the AU Factory and Network Centre built at a cost of ₹64 crore and laid foundation stones for nine development projects worth ₹112 crore, including hostels, a convocation hall and other infrastructure facilities.
Highlighting the changing landscape, Naidu said youth should move beyond job-seeking and become job creators, adding that the government would extend full support to innovation and startup ecosystems.
He also said the proposed Google data centre in Visakhapatnam, with an investment of about $15 billion, would mark a significant milestone in the city’s growth as a global technology hub.
Praising Andhra University’s legacy, the Chief Minister said the institution has emerged as a prestigious brand over the past century and continues to attract students from across the world.
He paid tributes to its founding Vice-Chancellor Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy and former President of India Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who also served as Vice-Chancellor.
Describing the university as a cradle of leadership, he noted that several eminent personalities, including former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, are its alumni.
Naidu said the government aims to position Andhra University among the top five institutions in India and within the top 100 globally, and called upon alumni to contribute towards its development.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, state ministers, alumni and other dignitaries attended the event.
TNT KM
