Visakhapatnam: Call to make students industry-friendly

Visakhapatnam: Old students from various parts of the world met at Andhra University Convention Centre to take part in the AU Alumni Meet 'Waves 2019' that began with an impressive cultural show on Friday in Visakhapatnam.

The platform provided alumni to reminisce their college days and share their unforgettable experiences on stage.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy participated as chief guest. It was his maiden visit to AU after being elected as the Chief Minister. He exhorted the alumni to come with suggestions to improve the education system to make students industry-friendly.

Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister A Suresh said, "The State government is keen on bringing in revolutionary changes in the education system, equipping the students with renewed skills. From the introduction of 'Amma-Vodi' Scheme to the shift to English medium of instruction and changes in the higher education system, every step aims towards transforming the education system which is going to see a new dawn in the coming years." Recalling his conversation with Chairman of GMR Group and founder-chairman of Andhra University Alumni Association (AAA) G Mallikarjuna Rao, Managing Director and CEO of Tech Mahindra C P Gurnani said, "Mallikarjuna Rao follows three principles diligently – learning, earning and returning. Alumni should draw inspiration from Mallikarjuna Rao as he strives to contribute to society and is also a constant learner."

Addressing the gathering, Mallikarjuna Rao said, "By 2026, our target is to make AU as the best university in the world. In the last five years, over 800 research and development centres and several centre of excellence of global multinational giants have been set up in India."

AU Vice-Chancellor P V G D Prasad Reddy said there were more than 100 historic buildings on the varsity campus which needs to be refurbished. He appealed to Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to help provide funds to refurbish these buildings under Nadu-Nedu scheme.

Earlier, former DGP N Sambasiva Rao motivated the students to rise again when they fall as failure is not be all and end all of life.

A souvenir was launched on the occasion by the AAA. Tourism Minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, MP M V V Satyanarayana, District in-charge Minister K Kanna Babu, District Collector V Vinay Chand, among others were present.