Kakatiya University: Education must build character, says Governor

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said education must build character, not just careers, at KU’s 23rd convocation. IICT director Dr D Srinivasa Reddy inspired students with his life story. KU marked its Golden Jubilee with 446 medals and 374 PhDs awarded

Hanamkonda: The purpose of education is to build character beyond professional success, stated Governor and Kakatiya University Chancellor Jishnu Dev Varma.

Speaking at the 23rd convocation of Kakatiya University here on Monday, he said the youth in the country were ready for “ready and disruptive (R&D)” work and were setting new research milestones. Students should be prepared to serve not only in the laboratory but also in life, he said.

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He said Kakatiya University has developed into a great educational centre in north Telangana and lauded its achievements such as securing NAAC A grading, being ranked in the 151–200 band in NIRF, and the University Pharmacy College securing third rank in the UI Green Metric and 84th at the national level.

It was commendable that courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, and nutrition science were introduced in the university in line with the National Education Policy-2020, the Governor said.

Stating that every great leader was once a student, the Governor advised students to move forward boldly, embrace change, and serve with kindness. Students should cultivate skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, curiosity, and communication, which are the compasses of the 21st century, he said.

Director of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Dr D Srinivasa Reddy said IICT welcomes young minds to tackle real-world challenges—from clean energy to affordable healthcare—and contribute to nation-building. A strong nation would be built through research, he said.

Srinivasa Reddy shared that he once worked as a paper boy, rising before dawn to deliver newspapers before rushing to college, and has now become a scientist leading a premier national institute like CSIR-IICT. A rural background or English language skills should not be a barrier if students treat every challenge as an opportunity to grow, he said.

Highlighting some of the achievements of IICT, he said it contributed to the development of the adjuvant for Covaxin, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

KU Vice Chancellor Prof K Pratap Reddy said the convocation ceremony coincides with the Golden Jubilee year of the university. Marking the occasion, the university has submitted a DPR to the government for the construction of the Golden Jubilee Academic Complex, the PV Narasimha Rao Research and Knowledge Center, a 1000-bed girls’ hostel, and a centenary block in the University Arts College. As many as 446 gold medals and 374 PhDs were awarded.