Latest news with #AdikaviNannayaUniversity
Hans India
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 11th August 2025
Nothing can match soulful old musical numbers Referringto Dr Mohan Kanda's most relevant and realistic essay on 'Recalling the gold old 'musical days' makes for joyful moments' (THI August 7), I wish to state that I and my husband relish listening to songs by Mohd Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. Though we are not well versed with Hindi, their melodious numbers drive us to tranquillity. As for Telugu songs, the space is insufficient to narrate but, in a nutshell, I can say that the most melodious, mellifluous, and timeless musical hits were from the 1950s to the 1970s. Interlaced with absorbing lyrics and breathtaking music, they are assured of a permanent shelf life. The musical genius of Ghantasala, Saluri, Pendyala, Leela, Suseela, Jikki and Janaki and Karnataka musicians like Mangalampalli, Nudunuri, Nukala remain etched in the hearts of music lovers. Moreover, music has successfully been used during therapy sessions to help the physically and mentally ill to recover fast. N Ramalakshmi,Secunderabad Give Adivasis their due Apropos 'The unseen faith…' it is great to see some space given to the Adivasi community in The Hans India', otherwise they are just regarded as a vote bank by the politicians. The percentage of Hindus to the total population would be drastically reduced, if Adivasis are not counted as Hindus. The Adivasis have been traditionally the most exploited people in the nation. Under the guise of development, their lands have been taken over by the state for a pittance and those living on lands with mineral resources are made to sign off their rights for almost nothing. Activists fighting for their rights were dubbed 'naxals' and hunted down by the state. Fearing conversion by Christian missionaries, the RSS has been doing some work among the Adivasis and would like them to be counted as Hindus, even though they follow no Hindu deities and practices. We like to think of ourselves as more civilized and advanced than the Hindus and go ahead and decimate their forests and poison their wellsprings, while they worship trees and animals in the firm belief that there exists a connection between humans, animals and trees. Had we been able to adopt their religion, the world would have been a better place than it is, as of now! Anthony Henriques,Mumbai Empowering tribal communities through education ProfSathupati Prasanna Sree's work in preserving tribal languages and promoting education is truly inspiring. Her creation of scripts for 19 endangered languages and proficiency in 22 languages is a testament to her dedication. As Vice-Chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University, she has taken significant initiatives to improve infrastructure, promote inclusivity, and provide skill development opportunities to the community. I wholeheartedly agree with her that education is the key to uplift tribals and preserving their unique cultural legacy. Her work is a shining example of how education can empower communities and preserve their heritage. Rayudu Vijayalakshmivia email Hobbies promote overall wellness Hobbies are known to boost productivity and wellness. Our day to day lives have become so hectic that we are hardly finding any time to pursue hobbies or interests. Hobbies can vary from person to person. Investing time in our simple hobbies, at least one hour every week can make one happy and cheerful. Hobbies can be anything-writing a short story, a beautiful poem, painting, drawing, singing or strumming your favourite musical instrument. Getting involved in our hobbies are known to take our minds away from deadlines and targets, while they can foster creativity and enhance our mental well-being. A redeeming feature is that we need not boast about them and try for validation from others. It is something very deeply satisfying and keeps us going in this highly competitive world. One should make time for seeking solitude and take to gardening or playing your favourite sport. We are all so weighed down by our work pressures. Pursuing the hobby can make a world of difference to us. Parimala Tadas,Hyderabad-50
Hans India
10-08-2025
- General
- Hans India
Education is key to tribal upliftment, cultural preservation
Marking the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9), The Hans India spoke with Prof. Sathupati Prasanna Sree, Vice-Chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University and a pioneer in tribal language preservation.A distinguished educationist, she has created scripts for 19 endangered tribal languages and mastered 22 in this candid conversation, she shares her journey, achievements, and vision for empowering tribal communities through education Prof. Sathupati Prasanna Sree, a distinguished educationist and linguist, has dedicated her life to preserving India's endangered tribal languages. Renowned for creating scripts for 19 such languages and achieving proficiency in 22, she has earned national and global recognition for her work. Currently serving as Vice-Chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University, she continues to champion educational access, cultural preservation, and tribal empowerment. In this interview, she shares her journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim, her pioneering linguistic research, her vision for higher education, and her ongoing mission to uplift tribal communities while safeguarding their heritage for future generations. Q: Could you tell us about your family background and education? I come from a simple, backward family. My mother, Vasundhara Devi, was a homemaker who loved reading newspapers and books. I have two younger sisters and a younger brother. Our parents worked very hard to educate us, and that education took us to great heights. My childhood was spent in Kolkata, followed by years in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. I completed my SSC from Vijayawada Mixed High School, my intermediate from KBN College, and my degree from Montessori College. I did my MA at Andhra University and later my PhD at Sri Padmavati Mahila University, Tirupati. I began my career as an Assistant Professor in 1987. Q: How did you get into creating scripts for tribal languages? As a researcher, I met tribals of the interior areas. In the beginning, tribal people did not talk to me. They saw me as an outsider, even suspected me of being a police informer. Communication was difficult because I didn't understand their language. That's when I decided to first learn their language and become one among them. Once I did, I blended into their communities. I was determined to do something meaningful for them, and the idea of creating scripts for their languages took root. With encouragement from people like Prof. Cynthia Wesley and several international scholars, I learnt the techniques of script-making, like how to structure the alphabet. Eventually, I developed scripts for 19 endangered tribal languages such as Bagata, Gadaba, Kolami, and Konda Dora. She achieved proficiency in a total of 22 languages. Q: What awards and recognition have you received for this work? Creating scripts for 19 tribal languages brought me immense joy and global recognition. I will never forget meeting the then-President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. After hearing about my work, he asked me, 'How many thorns have pierced your feet, Prasanna?' That question still touches my heart. In 2022, I received the Nari Shakti Puraskar from then President of India Ram Nath Kovind. Other honours include Award, USA (2009), Miracle Book of World Records, UK (2014), Golden Book of World Records, Australia (2014), Universal Book of World Records, Bangladesh (2014), World Atlas of Endangered Alphabets, USA (2019), 'Conscience of Indian Tribal' recognition, Gondar University, Ethiopia (2020), World Endangered Alphabet Award, Vermont, USA (2024) Recently, I was honoured with the Ratnasinhji Mahida Memorial Award by the Gujarat government, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Telangana government, the Nelson Mandela Inspire Award, and the Dr. R. Subbakrishna Memorial Best Community Linguist Award (all in 2025). Q: Tell us about your connection with the Godavari districts. I became part of the Godavari district through marriage. My husband, Hari Venkata Laxman, is from this region. We call it an 'arranged love marriage' because we met and connected during our PG days at Andhra University - I was studying English, and he was doing Sociology. Initially, our families didn't approve, but later, both sides blessed our union. My husband has been my biggest support, especially when I was deeply involved in my tribal script work. He even took full care of our daughter Harshita, when my workload was intense. Q: As Vice-Chancellor, what initiatives have you taken at Adikavi Nannaya University? After 23 years as a professor, I was given this great opportunity to serve as Vice-Chancellor. From day one, I have worked to improve the university's infrastructure and academic environment. For years, the campus faced a shortage of buildings. Now, construction work is moving fast, and we will inaugurate the new structures soon. I live on campus in the VC bungalow, so I can stay connected with students and maintain a healthy administrative atmosphere. We have improved campus safety, cleanliness, and water conservation. We organised Nari Fest for women, improved hostel and mess facilities, and launched 20 crore worth of projects under the PM-USHA scheme for skill development and institutional capacity building. The Skill Development Centre has been revived, and inclusivity is a key principle in all events. The Yogandhra programme, for instance, saw 16,000 participants and earned two awards. We are also signing MoUs with national and international institutions to enhance the university's growth. Q: Will you continue your tribal development work? Yes, absolutely. Creating scripts for 19 tribal languages was just the beginning. I want to conduct further research in remote tribal areas and ensure that tribal youth get access to quality higher education. Our university covers a large agency area, so we are working to extend our reach there. Q: Even after 75 years of independence, many tribal areas still lack basic infrastructure. How do you see this? I believe the government has started focusing on road infrastructure and other facilities in tribal areas. But for real change, education is the key. Education will improve lives and preserve tribal culture. Tribal communities live in harmony with nature. They have a natural wisdom that we must learn from, instead of viewing them only through a materialistic lens. Earlier, we lived with a 'we' mindset, but today, 'I' and 'mine' dominate. We need to reconnect with nature, and tribals can teach us how. Q: What is your message for the younger generation? Work hard, learn continuously, and never forget your roots. Education is not just for personal success; it's a tool to uplift communities, preserve culture, and make the world better.
The Hindu
08-08-2025
- The Hindu
Nannaya varsity staff, 4 students booked for defaming student
The Rajanagaram police have registered a case against K. Yamini Jyotsna, Head of the Political Science Department at Adikavi Nannaya University and four girl students for allegedly circulating photos of a girl student in a fabricated campaign suggesting an 'affair' of the victim with a contract teaching staff. The victim, a 21-year-old final-year student, lodged a written complaint on August 6, accusing K. Yamini Jyotsna, Head, Political Science Department, and four students of circulating photos of her interacting with a contract teaching faculty member of the Political Science Department with university authorities and on social media. Based on her complaint, the police registered a case. According to the First Information Report (FIR), a copy of which is with The Hindu, an unidentified person contacted the complainant's father and referring to the photos, informed him that his daughter was having an 'affair' on campus. It is learnt, that in January, Ms. Yamini Jyotsna reportedly received photos of the victim from her sources and consequently shared them with the university authorities, allegedly spreading the rumour that the victim had an 'affair' with the contract teaching faculty member. In-house probe In her complaint, the girl student alleged that the university authorities constituted two inquiry committees in April and May to probe the harassment, but there has been no progress. One of the committees is headed by a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police. Speaking to The Hindu, Adikavi Nannaya University Registrar Prof. K. V. Swamy said; 'The internal inquiry committee that is probing the incident is yet to submit its report'. Additionally, in her written complaint, the student said that she has been unable to attend classes due to the emotional trauma. 'My parents are insisting on discontinuing my studies due to the stress.' Investigation Officer and Rajanagaram Circle Inspector P. Veerayya Goud told The Hindu, 'A case has been registered against Ms. K. Yamini Jyotsna and four students of the Adikavi Nannaya University under the Information Technology Act,2000 and investigation is on'.
Hans India
03-08-2025
- General
- Hans India
AKNU to host national seminar on Aug 21
Rajamahendravaram: Adikavi Nannaya University (AKNU) will host a two-day national seminar on 'Preservation of Tribal Indigenous Knowledge on August 21 and 22, informed Vice-Chancellor Prof S Prasanna Sree. On Saturday, she formally released the brochure related to the seminar at the university campus. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor said the seminar is being organised by the University College of Education in collaboration with ICSSR and NCST, with financial support from both institutions. The event aims to deliberate on crucial issues like tribal customs, traditions, cultural heritage, indigenous wealth, tribal rights, education, healthcare, and the need for education among tribal women. She said that academicians, tribal advisors, social thinkers, and researchers from various states are expected to participate and present their research papers and perspectives on these subjects. Prof K Subbarao will serve as the Chairman of the seminar, Dr RS Varahalu Dora as the Convener, Dr R Sambasiva Rao as the Coordinator, and Dr M Gopalakrishna, Dr G Elishababu, Dr J Rajamani, Dr V Ramakrishna, Dr N Sujatha, and KSR Rajeswari Devi as Co-conveners. The Vice-Chancellor invited scholars and the general public to take part and make the seminar a grand success. She also said that detailed information about the seminar is available on the university website.
Hans India
27-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
NEP-2020, a roadmap to redefine country's educational landscape
Visakhapatnam: National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 is not just a policy but a roadmap to redefine India's educational landscape, said former Vice-Chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University K. Nirupa Rani. Attending as chief guest at a workshop 'Academic Leadership in the Context of NEP-2020 Reforms', organised by the Integral Institute of Advanced Management (IIAM) at the campus here on Saturday, she stated that academic leaders must embrace flexibility, innovation, and inclusivity to foster holistic learning environments. The event that engaged principals, secretaries, and correspondents of UG and PG colleges witnessed participation from academic leaders across the region. The workshop aimed to address the transformative changes brought by the NEP and equip educational administrators with the tools to implement these reforms effectively. Speaking on the occasion, Prof A Narasimha Rao, Principal of the College of Arts and Commerce, Andhra University, highlighted the role of interdisciplinary learning. Director General of IIAM Prof V Krishna Mohan underscored the institute's commitment to academic excellence. Sharing his views, IIAM director SP Ravindra said, 'The NEP-2020 reforms have brought a renaissance to India's education system. At IIAM, we are fully prepared to implement these changes and provide the right guidance for future generations. Our goal is to equip our students to compete at a global level.' Prof Balaprasad Member of NET-2020 implementation at Andhra University and Kumar Raja Vice-Chairman, Andhra University Alumni Association delivered expert lectures.
