Promote education to alleviate poverty: Andhra University Vice-Chancellor

Visakhapatnam: Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof G Nageswara Rao emphasised the need to fight against poverty.He addressed a seminar on ‘Poverty alleviation’ organised by the Department of Social Work to mark the occasion of Krishna Pushkaralu here on Sunday.

It may be recalled here that the State government has issued directions to all government and private educational institutions to organise seminars or workshops covering skill development and academic issues during Krishna Pushkaralu. Prof Nageswara Rao felt that the attempt to alleviate poverty must start from individual families and villages utilising the powerful weapon of education.

The Vice-Chancellor said there was every need to provide infrastructure facilities in all institutions to help teach effectively and at the same time, it’s the responsibility of both teachers and parents to mould the wards as good disciplined citizens of the country from the schooling stage itself. He complimented the Department of Social Work for organising such a valuable seminar.

Rector Prof E A Narayana said that many voluntary organisations were striving hard in rural areas for alleviation of poverty with available resources and they were achieving good results. Registrar Prof V Umamaheswara Rao felt that an effective action-oriented plan under good leadership is needed for alleviation of poverty.

Retired Professor of Economics K Srirama Murty lamented on lack of development in some districts. Pointing out that there were no new industries in Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Kadapa and Anantapuram districts so far, he underscored the need for ‘balanced development’ in all districts at least even after the bifurcation of the State and public participation must also be considered.

Head of the Department, Social Work, Prof P Arjun, said that poverty alleviation will be possible only when basic civic amenities like education and health are provided while Prof S V Sudhakar detailed on how to overcome poverty in rural areas.

Seminar co-ordinator Prof K Visweswara Rao appreciated the role of voluntary bodies in fighting against poverty. He said the students of Social Work were also educating the rural people on important social issues. Representatives of various voluntary organisations also participated.

Modern hostel building for International students: Prof Nageswara Rao who later visited the new building near the AU Platinum Jubilee conference hall and asked the authorities to make it as a modern hostel building to accommodate international students studying in AU.

He also asked to allocate rooms from September onwards. He said efforts are on to provider more modern hostel buildings for girl students too.

Later, he visited the AU Convention Centre under construction and gave suggestions. Managing Director of Vijay Nirman Company Dr S Vijay Kumar and AU Chief Engineer Madhava Babu also accompanied the VC.