“Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a dynamic hub for industrial development, with a strong focus on ports, logistics, and connectivity,” said Governor S. Abdul Nazeer. The Governor was speaking at the XV Convocation ceremony of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University–Anantapur (JNTUA), held at the University Auditorium in Anantapur on Monday (April 6, 2026).
Andhra Pradesh, with its strategic coastline, is becoming a gateway for international trade, supported by massive investments in roads, industrial corridors, and digital infrastructure. These developments are accelerating economic activity and creating employment opportunities, said the Governor.
He said that Andhra Pradesh developed a wider and more inclusive higher education system, expanded access and increased women’s participation, with a GER of 36.5% —above the national average — and a GPI of 0.93, reflecting a steady progress and the State has a strong potential to advance research aligned with societal needs, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
The Governor, Chancellor of JNTUA presided over the convocation ceremony. He congratulated all the graduating students—particularly those who received gold medals and academic distinctions for their outstanding achievements. He lauded their hard work, discipline, dedication, and unwavering commitment in achieving excellence in higher education.
He noted that JNTUA has emerged as one of the most prominent universities in the country by consistently producing talented graduates, engineers, technologists, researchers, and innovators who contribute meaningfully to national development and global competitiveness.
The Governor emphasised that in today’s rapidly changing world, higher education institutions must focus not only on academic excellence but also on futuristic fields such as quantum technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, and advanced scientific research.
He highlighted that quantum science and emerging technologies will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future economic and knowledge ecosystems. He encouraged the students to evolve into innovators, job creators, and socially responsible professionals capable of confronting future challenges through knowledge and creativity.
Governor Abdul Nazeer congratulated Dr. Tessy Thomas, Vice-Chancellor, NICHE Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, the Chief Guest-cum-Orator of the Convocation, and recipient of the Honoris Causa.
Vice-Chancellor of JNTUA, Professor H. Sudarshana Rao, presented the university report, outlining the major achievements, progress, and developmental initiatives undertaken by the university in recent years. In his address, he provided a detailed account of the university’s academic advancements, research outcomes, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, faculty development, student achievements, and institutional collaborations.
He stated that JNTUA is moving forward with a robust vision aimed at academic excellence, research leadership, industry linkages, and global educational relevance. He also noted that several new initiatives have been introduced to strengthen teaching-learning systems, enhance innovation capabilities, and encourage interdisciplinary research across affiliated colleges and university departments.
Published – April 06, 2026 08:35 pm IST
