Andhra University Unveils Alumni Portal and Hosts Economic Development Lecture
In a significant move to bolster its global presence, Andhra University (AU) has officially launched a dedicated alumni management portal. This innovative platform, developed in collaboration with AlmaShines, is designed to enhance alumni engagement through networking opportunities, mentorship programs, event coordination, and career support initiatives.
Strengthening Global Alumni Connections
University officials emphasize that the portal will serve as a central hub for alumni worldwide, fostering a strong, interconnected community. Vice-Chancellor Prof GP Rajasekhar highlighted the initiative's importance, stating, "Our alumni are the pride and strength of Andhra University. This platform will help us build a strong, connected global community and meaningfully engage alumni in the university's academic and developmental journey." The university is actively encouraging all alumni to register and participate in this new digital ecosystem.
Memorial Lecture Focuses on Economic Growth and Agriculture
Concurrently, as part of its centenary celebrations, Andhra University hosted the Prof Rokkum Radhakrishna fourth memorial lecture. This event was jointly organized by the Institute for Development Studies–Andhra Pradesh and AU. The lecture featured prominent economist Prof S. Mahendra Dev, chairman of the economic advisory council to the prime minister and chairman of the Institute for Development Studies–AP, as the chief guest.
Prof Dev addressed critical economic issues, stressing the urgent need for generating quality employment opportunities in India. He elaborated on key drivers of national growth, including human capital development, technological advancement, skill enhancement, youth demographics, urbanization, and increased female workforce participation. "GDP growth improves only when exports increase, and India must prioritize high-quality exports. We need to substantially increase investment and export growth, while giving greater importance to inclusivity and sustainability," Prof Dev asserted.
He further emphasized the importance of adding value to the agricultural sector through post-harvest measures and processing, which can significantly boost economic outcomes.
Emphasis on Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Adding to the discourse, Prof Duvvuru Narasimha Reddy, a retired scholar from the University of Hyderabad, highlighted the necessity of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. During his lecture, he discussed various structural, institutional, and sustainability challenges facing Indian agriculture.
Prof Reddy advocated for increasing agricultural diversity to provide the nation with healthier food options. He also underscored the critical need to ensure fair income for farmers, particularly addressing the insecurities faced by marginal and small-scale cultivators. "Only by taking steps towards sustainable, environment-friendly agriculture can the future of the agricultural sector be bright. We must ensure farmers receive a dignified livelihood," he remarked.
The event commenced with tributes to Prof Radhakrishna, including the garlanding of his portrait, honoring his legacy in development studies.
