Latest news with #VSKU
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Universities must lead educational revolution, says former vice-chancellor
Highlighting the transformative role of universities in society, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh Tejaswi V. Kattimani has said that universities must lead the way in educational revolution and help students succeed through higher learning. He was delivering the inaugural address at the 16th Foundation Day celebrations of Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU) held at the university's open-air auditorium in Ballari on Wednesday. 'Education is the cornerstone of progress. It is heartening that India's education system has evolved to attract international students, a sign of growing global recognition,' Prof. Kattimani said and noted that innovation and reform in the academic space are drawing attention worldwide. He added that the success of a university lies in the commitment of its teachers and students. 'Only teachers have the power to shape the future of their students. Today's youth must understand the true purpose of education. It is not merely about marks but about honing one's skills and setting ambitious goals,' he said and encouraged students to embrace multiple languages and skillsets to realise their full potential. Chief Administrative Officer of Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd. and the former Registrar of VSKU S.N. Rudresh recalled his tenure at the university and praised the discipline of the student community. 'In my 18 years of service, no role has given me as much fulfilment as my time in this university,' he said. Mr. Rudresh observed that while significant changes have taken place in the education sector, the future challenge lies in steering these reforms meaningfully. He called for coordinated efforts between teachers and students to elevate the university's stature further. Presiding over the event, VSKU Vice-Chancellor M. Muniraju emphasised the importance of delivering quality education in a competitive academic environment. 'Universities must focus on capability-based learning, embracing digital platforms, while promoting innovation that supports the academic growth of students. The university, founded in honour of Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya, is proud to mark its 16th year,' Prof. Muniraju said and announced that the university is planning to expand from to 45 departments from 29 and introduce more skill-based courses to enhance employability. Ahead of the formal event, cultural performances by various student teams showcased the university's rich artistic talent. University Registrar C. Nagaraju, Registrar (Evaluation) N.M. Saali, Finance Officer Nagaraj and programme convener N. Shantanayak were present along with members of the Syndicate, Academic Council, department heads, teaching and non-teaching staff and students.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Question paper mix-up at VSKU exam
Ballari: Questions papers got mixed up at several examination centres here during a university exam on Tuesday. BCom question paper was erroneously given in place of BSc second semester Kannada question paper. Exams for various degree programmes, including BCA, BCom, BBA, BA, and BSc for second, fourth, and sixth semesters began commenced in colleges affiliated to Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU). When the students were waiting for Basic Kannada question paper at 9am, the invigilators handed them the commerce question paper. Realising the error, the heads of the respective examination centres alerted the university, after which VSKU authorities sent the correct question paper through email. The photocopies of the revised question paper were given to the students, and the exam proceeded smoothly after a 45-minute delay. Registrar (evaluation) prof NM Sali said the question papers might have got mixed up during packing. "Nevertheless, the BSc question paper was sent through email, and the exam continued as planned," he added.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Time of India
Single judge committee investigates VSKU convocation certificate scam
Ballari: The alleged convocation certificate fraud at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU) in Ballari is now subject to a judicial inquiry, announced vice-chancellor Prof M Muniraju. The case involves unauthorised issuance of convocation certificates to approximately 3,330 individuals by forging vice chancellor's signature. On Feb 20, a 9-member team was tasked with investigating claims of illegal money collection and certificate distribution. Following accusations implicating senior university officials and examination department contract staff, the investigation team reviewed certificates and associated receipts spanning a decade. The investigation team's 68-page report revealed that after examining 45,000 certificates, students were potentially charged over Rs 8,000 per certificate, resulting in substantial financial losses for the university. "This report was presented to the higher education department, and notices were sent to various staff members, including the two previous valuation registrars. An inquiry committee will question them," stated Prof Muniraju. In this context, the vice chancellor issued a statement on June 17, indicating that several public interest complaints were submitted to the Registrar concerning the unlawful issuance of convocation certificates within the university's examination department, as well as certain illegal orders made during the tenure of Prof Ananth L Zandekar, who served as the in-charge vice chancellor and is an associate professor of history and archaeology. "The issue was addressed during the syndicate meeting on June 6, where it was resolved to initiate a judicial inquiry led by a retired judge regarding the mentioned cases. Consequently, DS Shinde, a retired district judge from the district sessions court in Belgaum, has been designated as the investigating officer. He is tasked with carrying out the inquiry and providing a report within 45 days. Following the submission of the report, appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty," stated vice chancellor Prof M Muniraju.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘Shed inferiority complex and embrace the vision of equality and social justice'
'Secular and pluralistic values are the backbone of India and it is under the guidance of the teachings of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar that we find unity in our Constitution,' professor of Kannada at Central University of Karnataka Appagere Somashekar has said. He was speaking at the Buddha-Basava-Ambedkar Vicharotsava, a symposium organised at the open-air auditorium in the Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU), Ballari, on Wednesday. Emphasising the influence of the progressive ideals of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar's thoughts on the Constitution, Prof. Somashekar urged the people to shed inferiority complexes and embrace the vision of equality and social justice they championed. 'Their dreams have taken shape in the very fabric of the Constitution. We must uphold those values and fight to realise them,' he said. Buddhist writer Buddhaghosh Devendra Heggade described the Buddha as a timeless figure whose teachings remain relevant across all generations. He noted that the Buddha's Panchasheel principles offered a guiding light to people of all castes, religions and communities. 'Today's youth, unfortunately, lack familiarity with the life and wisdom of the Buddha,' he lamented. Literary scholar and university syndicate member Amaresh Nugadoni highlighted the transformative relevance of the trio's philosophies. 'The thoughts of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar are essential for human development. Basavanna's Vachanas and his awareness of knowledge continue to lead us towards innovation and enlightenment,' he said. University Vice-Chancellor M. Muniraju, who presided over the event, noted that Dr. Ambedkar worked to ensure justice for every marginalised community. He stated that the programme's goal is to instill the ideologies of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar in students, so they may contribute meaningfully to their families, society and the nation. During the occasion, winners of speech competitions on the philosophies of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar were awarded cash prizes and certificates. Veteran writer N.D. Venkamma offered Buddha Vandane, a dedicated prayer. The event also featured a procession within the university campus with students dressed as the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar, accompanied by a float carrying their portraits. The procession was led by Registrar S.N. Rudresh. Cultural highlights included renditions of revolutionary songs presented by the Department of Performing Arts and Drama. N.M. Sali, N. Shantanayak, Sushma Jogan, Shridevi Alur and other faculty members, research scholars, teaching and non-teaching staff and students were present. The day concluded with a series of cultural performances in the evening.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
'It was a distressing scene, injured children, women were crying': Terrorists storm shop, family narrowly escapes Pahalgam terror attack
VIJAYANAGARA/KOPPAL: A planned holiday to picturesque Pahalgam, one the country's premier tourist spots, became a terrifying experience for TM Rajashekar, former member of Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU) syndicate and retired principal of TMAE College of Education in Harapanahalli. While Rajashekar remained at the hotel Tuesday, his wife Umadevi, daughter Dr Gaurika, and son-in-law Doddabasayya visited a saffron shop in Bysaran. At 2.20pm, five armed terrorists stormed into the establishment, firing weapons at close range. Amidst the chaos, his family members managed to find cover and escape unharmed. Rajashekar now cautions others against visiting Pahalgam, located about 80km from Srinagar, despite its scenic beauty. 'Pahalgam is a beautiful tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors daily from across the country and abroad,' said Rajashekar. 'But it now carries the risk of violence. The central govt did not deploy army forces in this region possibly because it never experienced a terrorist attack in the past.' He was relieved that his family survived the massacre, attributing it to 'good deeds of their ancestors'. He described the chaos that followed, revealing Indian soldiers arrived an hour later, after many already lost their lives and their families were helpless. 'It was a distressing scene; injured children and women were crying,' he said, adding that the absence of mobile connectivity worsened the situation. Airlines take advantage Following the incident, he and his family decided to return home immediately, but faced another problem. 'Taking advantage of the situation, airlines jacked up the prices of tickets from Rs 30,000 to Rs. 40,000,' he said. Meanwhile, members of four families from Koppal, who travelled to Srinagar Tuesday evening, are safe. Siddu Ganavari, Sharanappa Sajjan, Cotton Pasha, and Shivakumar Pavali Shettar departed from Mumbai to Srinagar with their families. They cancelled plans to visit Pahalgam and decided to return home after learning about the terror incident.
