Tracing the glorious past and challenging present of Andhra University
:
Andhra University
, which will complete 100 years since its establishment in April 2026, is set to launch its year‐long
centenary celebrations
on Saturday. On the face of it, the transformation at the institution is striking – evolving from the bare brick buildings of the 1930s to modern smart classrooms and encompassing lakhs of students under its wing.
The national and international accolades bestowed upon the university; its distinguished Nobel laureate alumni; the former vice‐chancellor, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who later rose to become the President of India; along with numerous pioneering breakthroughs and renowned former faculty, all offer a glimpse into its rich history. Yet, throughout its 99‐year journey, the university's story has been a mixed bag of successes and setbacks. From its modest beginnings in 1926—with just four departments, seven faculty members and a small cohort of students—it has grown tremendously to now boast lakhs of students, including approximately 12,000 on campus alone.
Observers contend that, following its golden age until two to three decades ago, the university reached a plateau before its progress subsequently declined. They say that the overall institutional decline of the society hasn't left the varsity over the years. Factors such as political influence over this prestigious institution, the retirement of senior professors, prolonged vacancies, and a meagre allocation of funds have all contributed to its downward trajectory. Furthermore, the government's initiative to establish a university in every district—combined with mounting competition from private universities—has reduced its once expansive geographical coverage, which spanned the entire coastal region of Andhra Pradesh from Srikakulam to Nellore, to now encompassing only the former combined Visakhapatnam district.
AU vice-chancellor Prof GP Rajasekhar said that, as part of the centenary celebrations, a plan has been formulated focusing on three key areas: strengthening academic departments, enhancing infrastructure, and expanding outreach programmes. In keeping with the centenary year, the construction of new buildings, a central lab facility and various development programmes funded by alumni associations and govt-sector CSR funds will be initiated. "There are plans to construct a unique, iconic tower," he added.
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Speaking to this correspondent earlier, former Rector of Andhra University, Prof A Prasanna Kumar, explained that it took nearly a decade of persistent efforts and struggles by several leaders before the erstwhile Madras Presidency authorised the establishment of a university for the then educationally backward northern Circars and Ceded districts. "Dr Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya penned three articles in a national newspaper, stressing the need for the formation of Andhra University as early as 1914. It was on September 5, 1930—coincidentally the birthday of Dr Radhakrishnan, now observed as Teachers' Day—that the university was relocated from Vijayawada to Vizag. Initially operating from a modest building in Peda Waltair until a permanent campus was established. It was the vision of AU's first vice-chancellor, Dr CR Reddy, that paved the way for Vizag to host a university. Dr S Radhakrishnan, who succeeded Dr Reddy, elevated the varsity to new heights, a trend continued by Dr VS Krishna. Former registrars, Prof KV Gopala Swamy and Dr M Gopala Krishna Reddy (who also served as vice-chancellor), made significant contributions to the university's progress," he added.
Beyond the formative contributions of the first three vice-chancellors, who sowed the seeds of development, former VC Prof KR Srinivasa Iyenger exemplified academic excellence. Meanwhile, Prof YC Simhadri upheld discipline, MR Apparow championed the arts, and Prof K Ramakrishna Rao was a pioneer in introducing modern courses. Dr M Gopalakrishna stressed the importance of holistic development, while Dr L Bullayya advocated for societal equality.
Former registrar Prof V Umamaheswara Rao said that it has been a great pleasure to be part of this esteemed university for nearly 50 years—first as a diamond jubilee batch student of applied mathematics (1976–78), and later as a researcher, teacher and administrator. "The entire credit goes to our dedicated and committed administrators, particularly the visionary former vice-chancellors such as Sir C R Reddy, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr V S Krishna, who selflessly contributed immensely to the development of this university. My tributes to the departed leaders and my thanks to all those who laid the strong foundations of this vibrant institution for future generations. Let us all join hands and do our bit for the further development of our university during these centenary celebrations," he said.
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