A.P. Governor calls for lifelong learning at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham convocation

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer on Thursday urged students to embrace lifelong learning and contribute to the society with compassion.

The governor was speaking at the first Graduation Day celebrations of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amaravati campus.

Congratulating the graduating class, medal winners, and their families, the Governor paid tributes to the university’s Chancellor Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), calling her ‘one of the foremost humanitarian leaders in the world today’.

He highlighted Amma’s vision of blending global standards in higher education with values of empathy and service, noting that the institution now has 11 campuses with over 31,000 students, 2,400 faculty members, and more than 250 academic programmes.

Mr. Nazeer lauded Amrita’s achievements in global rankings, sustainability initiatives, and international research collaborations. He pointed out its three UNESCO Chairs and recognition in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the recent inclusion of 27 Amrita faculty in Stanford University’s global list of top scientists.

Encouraging graduates to seize opportunities without giving excuses, the Governor quoted former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s words on the transformative power of learning. He reminded students to value knowledge above material wealth and to embody Amma’s message: “Compassion is the most important factor in our lives.”

The ceremony was attended by Swami Purnamritananda Puri, M.S. Vijayendra, Dr. Raghu Raman, Dr. P. Ajithkumar, and Dr. Santanu Mandal.