Latest news with #BRAmbedkarOpenUniversity
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
On a mission to reform lives of prisoners
Rajamahendravaram: From tribal hamlets to high-security prison cells, the mission of Chilukuri Srinivasa Rao has remained the same-- to transform lives through the power of education. A recipient of the National Best Teacher Award, Srinivasa Rao, popularly known as 'Jail Master,' is currently on deputation at the Rajamahendravaram Central Prison, where he is bringing light into the lives of incarcerated individuals through literacy and moral instruction. Hailing from Kadiyam village in East Godavari district, Srinivasa Rao is not just a teacher, but a movement in himself. A Mathematics teacher by profession at Zilla Parishad High School in Pandalapaka, Bikkavolu mandal, he volunteered for deputation to teach inside the jail, a task many educators hesitate to undertake. Today, his influence has reached hundreds of inmates, changing their outlook and equipping them with education, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Within the prison walls that house around 1,400 inmates, Srinivasa Rao conducts a range of classes from basic literacy and signature training to coaching for Open Tenth, Open Intermediate, and even Degree courses under Dr BR Ambedkar Open University. Many of his students are now certified graduates, thanks to his mentoring. His efforts bore remarkable results -last year, 81% of inmates passed the Open 10th exams, and 92% cleared the Intermediate level. This year, those numbers rose to 100% and 96% respectively. Notably, one inmate, Govindu, achieved distinction in the degree exams and even won a gold medal across the two Telugu states-a testimony to Srinivasa Rao's impactful teaching. Srinivasa Rao's mission goes beyond academics. Recognising the emotional and psychological burdens inmates carry, he focuses on moral values, ethical living, and mental well-being. His teaching methods are compassionate yet disciplined, treating prisoners like school children, guiding them patiently, and instilling self-worth in them. 'Inmates are different from normal students. Some are driven by remorse, some by anger, and others by an inferiority complex or hopelessness. To sit with them, earn their trust, and teach them values takes patience and dedication,' he says. His commitment and humane approach have earned him admiration not only from inmates but also from jail officials and state authorities. The Superintendent of the Central Jail S Rahul recently felicitated him for his contributions. During a recent visit, DGP of Prisons Anjani Kumar, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, and district collector K Prasanthi personally appreciated his selfless service. Srinivasa Rao's dedication to public service predates his prison work. He once served in a remote settlement of the Yanadi tribal community, where he educated not just school children but also illiterate adults in the colony. His efforts changed the entire landscape of the area socially and educationally. An environmentalist as well, he has planted over one lakh trees across the East Godavari district over the past three decades. His green initiative earned him the prestigious 'Environment Friend Award' from former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He is also a textbook author, a cultural ambassador, and a committed advocate for language preservation and social reform. His extraordinary achievements have earned accolades from leaders like Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, former Chief Ministers K Rosaiah, and N Kiran Kumar Reddy. When the education department called for volunteers to teach in prisons, few stepped forward. But Srinivasa Rao not only accepted the challenge, he excelled in it. 'He is not just a teacher. He is striving for a reform,' says District Educational Officer K Vasudeva Rao. Whether it's sowing seeds of literacy in hardened hearts or nurturing the spirit of humanity in isolated souls, Chilukuri Srinivasa Rao is proving that true education can transform even the darkest corners of society. And in doing so, he is rewriting the very narrative of correctional reform in Andhra Pradesh, one inmate at a time.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Dr BRAOU AP headquarters to come up in Eluru
Vijayawada: After many years of struggle by the officials and staff of Dr BR Ambedkar Open University in Andhra Pradesh, the State government finally gave orders for setting up the headquarters of the Open University in Eluru. Consequently, AP students, who wish to pursue education in Ambedkar Open university can continue in the State. Till now, Andhra Pradesh students used to pursue their studies in Dr BR Ambedkar open university (BRAOU) located in Hyderabad. Dr BRAOU is one of the biggest open universities in the country with big campus, adequate staff, different types of courses and amenities. After State Bifurcation, AP students got admissions at BRAOU in Hyderabad till 2023-24 only. However, from 2024-25 academic year, Hyderabad based Open university denied admissions to AP students. This made AP students to join smaller universities or postpone their studies. As per the Bifurcation Act, AP has to form a big open university by 2024 to cater to the needs of open university students in the State. Around 30,000 students from AP used to study in BRAOU in Hyderabad. But State Bifurcation has huge impact on AP students, as they could not enroll their names from 2024-25, as 10 years completed since State Bifurcation in 2014. Some officials of Dr BRAOU in Andhra Pradesh made relentless efforts to have AP campus within the State. The government conceded to the demands and issued orders declaring that BRAOU AP headquarters will be in Eluru. Henceforth 76 BRAOU centres working in the State will work under the purview of AP campus that will be located in Eluru. The BRAOU Andhra Pradesh administrative wing has funds of Rs 9 crore and it can be used to set up an office and furniture and to start academic activities, like enrolment of students. Dr Velaga Joshi, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of BRAOU, AP, thanked CM N Chandrababu Naidu and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh for giving orders to set up university headquarters in Eluru. He said the decision will be useful to thousands of students in AP to pursue various courses. Kula Vivaksha Vyatireka Porata Sangham State president A Malyadri has requested the CM to give permission to open BRAOU campus at Dr BR Ambedkar memorial located in Vijayawada. He said the BRAOU campus can be set at Dr Ambedkar memorial and it will be convenient to the students of Andhra Pradesh. He said students from across the State can visit Vijayawada administrative office.
