Amaravati stands as a powerful symbol of a resurgent Andhra Pradesh – a land deeply connected to its past while resolutely moving towards a bright future. This sentiment was eloquently expressed by former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana during a recent address.
Addressing the fifth convocation of VIT-AP University, coinciding with Andhra Pradesh Formation Day, Justice Ramana delved into the region’s rich legacy. He highlighted its journey from a hub of ancient Buddhist scholarship to a cradle of modern innovation, paying sincere tribute to the pioneering leaders who molded contemporary Andhra. Their tireless efforts, he noted, were crucial in establishing linguistic states, thereby emphasizing the profound importance of language and cultural heritage.
With a touch of personal reminiscence, Justice Ramana revealed how the very essence of Amaravati – its soil, air, and water – had profoundly influenced his development as a student, a leader, and a legal professional. Recounting his early years by the serene Krishna river, he emotionally stated, “Every event unfolding on this sacred land resonates deeply within me. Amaravati remains a perpetual source of inspiration.”
Justice Ramana spoke highly of Amaravati’s farmers, acknowledging their five-year-long agitation as the most prolonged farmers’ protest in southern India since the nation’s independence. He commended their remarkable courage, unwavering patience, and steadfast belief in the ‘judicial system and democratic process,’ reiterating the fundamental constitutional right to engage in peaceful dissent.
Turning to the adversities he faced, Justice Ramana recounted instances where his family was unjustly targeted with fabricated cases during periods of intense unrest. He highlighted that even judicial officers, committed to constitutional principles, experienced immense pressure. He underscored that ‘institutions truly prove their mettle during crises, not when times are easy.’ He further observed, ‘While governments may come and go, the judiciary and the principle of the rule of law stand as unwavering pillars of stability.’ He emphasized that ‘the rule of law endures only when citizens maintain their public trust and steadfastly refuse to compromise their integrity for personal ease.’ He concluded with a powerful appeal to the younger generation, urging them not to lose hope. ‘You are entering a world that often penalizes honesty and rewards silence, but remember, the genuine strength of democracy resides in the moral fortitude of its people,’ he affirmed.
Echoing the spirit of perseverance, Rajeev Verma, Senior Director at Samsung Electronics, Bengaluru, offered valuable counsel to the graduating students. He encouraged them to embrace continuous learning and adaptability in our rapidly evolving global landscape. Verma asserted that ‘the knowledge and ethical principles you’ve gained on this campus will equip you to confidently navigate and overcome future global challenges.’
G. Viswanathan, the esteemed Founder and Chancellor of VIT, conveyed his immense pride in the achievements of the Class of 2025. He reaffirmed the university’s unwavering dedication to cultivating exceptional talent and championing academic excellence. During the convocation, a grand total of 3,117 graduates proudly received their degrees. This impressive cohort included 28 students honored with gold medals and 126 who achieved distinguished ranks. The diverse range of degrees conferred included: 114 Ph.D.s, 72 M.Techs in 5-year Integrated Software Engineering, 2,483 B.Techs across various Computer Science specializations, 15 M.Techs in VLSI, 180 B.Techs in Electronics and Communication, 43 B.Techs in Mechanical Engineering, 77 BBAs, 5 B.Coms, 22 B.Scs in Data Science, 8 M.Scs in Chemistry, 56 M.Scs in Data Science, 13 B.A. LL.B (Hons.) degrees, 14 BBA LL.B (Hons.) degrees, and 15 B.A. degrees. The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of VIT Vice-Presidents Sankar Viswanathan and G.V. Selvam, Vice-Chancellor S.V. Kota Reddy, Registrar M. Jagadish Chandra, Dean (Academics) N. Madhusudhan Rao, Deputy Director of Student Welfare Khadeer Pasha, alongside various deans, faculty members, dedicated staff, and supportive parents.