During the centenary celebrations of Andhra University (AU) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Governor and University Chancellor S. Abdul Nazeer delivered an insightful speech tracing the institution’s roots. He noted that the demand for a dedicated university for the Telugu region emerged as early as 1913, eventually leading to the enactment of the Andhra University Act in April 1926. While it initially started in Vijayawada, the Governor credited the founding Vice-Chancellor, Sir C.R. Reddy, for his relentless efforts in relocating the campus to Visakhapatnam and building a strong academic foundation.
The Governor paid rich tributes to the visionaries who shaped the university, specifically mentioning Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second Vice-Chancellor, who expanded the campus and fostered an environment where “experience is the fruit of education.” He highlighted how the university’s infrastructure, including its iconic buildings and hostels, was made possible through the generous donations and patronage of the royal families of Bobbili, Vizianagaram, Pithapuram, and Travancore. He also fondly recalled the visits of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore to the campus in the 1930s.
Celebrating AU’s intellectual legacy, Governor Nazeer took pride in the fact that giants like Nobel Laureate Sir C.V. Raman and world-renowned statistician Prof. C.R. Rao were alumni of this prestigious institution. He reminded the audience that former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh once described AU as a “magnificent university.” Concluding his speech with the phrase “Endaro Mahanubhavulu, Andariki Vandanamulu,” the Governor saluted the educators and administrators who dedicated their lives to making Andhra University a global center of learning over the past century.
