Visakhapatnam. After a seven-year academic journey, the university added a new chapter to its history on June 30, 2026. Its inaugural convocation ceremony was held at the V Convention Centre, Novotel, in Visakhapatnam. President Droupadi Murmu attended the event as the chief guest and addressed the students.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, and senior ministers from the state government were also present at the ceremony. On this occasion, degrees and certificates were formally awarded to the university’s students for the first time.
Need to Link Tribal Education with Local Development
In her address, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the need for better synergy between the traditional knowledge of tribal communities and modern education. She stated that it is crucial to keep the education of tribal youth connected to their culture and local knowledge.
She also emphasized the need to promote research and innovation in sectors such as forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism, and local entrepreneurship. These areas can be linked to the livelihoods of tribal communities and regional development.
The President also expressed the expectation that the university’s education should not limit students to mere academic knowledge but should also help create new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and local-level development.
Students Receive Formal Degrees for the First Time
The first convocation ceremony was particularly significant for the university because, for the first time since its inception seven years ago, students were formally awarded degrees and certificates. For the students, this was a momentous occasion where their academic hard work received formal recognition.
According to the university, by the time of this inaugural convocation, its academic activities had expanded to encompass 13 departments. Various programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, and research levels were being conducted at the institution. New Responsibilities Alongside Academic Expansion
The first convocation ceremony not only highlights the university’s journey of growth thus far but also points towards future responsibilities. In particular, aligning higher education with local needs, traditional knowledge, and employment opportunities—especially in tribal areas—broadens the university’s role.
Following the expansion of academic departments and courses over the past seven years, this inaugural convocation stands as a significant milestone for the university’s students and faculty.
