University a temple of learning, says Infosys Foundation chief Sudha Murthy

Visakhapatnam:: The university, a temple of learning, was built through the sacrifices of many. Remembering their contributions, Sudha Murty, Chairperson of Infosys Foundation and Murty Trust, and Rajya Sabha member, urged the alumni and students of Andhra University to build their future. She was addressing the annual meeting of the AU Alumni Association,.

She said 'education dispels the darkness of ignorance and that we should strive to make our lives brighter. The university's century‑long journey is not ordinary; it is the result of the unparalleled efforts of great teachers. '

She recalled the sacrifices of former Vice‑Chancellor C.R. Reddy and the strong foundations laid by S. Radhakrishnan. She emphasized that every individual should always respect their alma mater, motherland and mother tongue, and recognize that language reflects our culture. She called for setting a mission and working towards it, saying that she stands before you today because of her teachers and the institution that shaped her.

She urged everyone to keep learning new things, to question, and to avoid becoming complacent. Continuous learning brings happiness. She told the students to be the runners in their own marathon and to make every step a lesson. She said that success should not breed arrogance, and that both success and failure are part of life.

She stressed the importance of living with moral values, becoming skilled individuals, and working together as a team. She warned that ChatGPT cannot replace real professional experience. We must accept reality, stand firm, be patient, and stay mentally strong. She shared a story about Gangā to illustrate the joy of helping others.

The founding chairman of the AU Alumni Association, Dr. G.M. Rao, spoke, saying that the goal of education is to touch as many lives as possible. He expressed gratitude for being part of the university, which has given him not just a degree but direction, confidence and a lifelong identity. He said the friendships, mentorship and challenges faced on campus have shaped his character.

He also mentioned the visionary leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, which is turning Visakhapatnam into a rising powerhouse. Massive investments such as Google's $15 billion data centre, Reliance and Meta's global‑scale data centres, and GMR's Bhogapuram international airport are positioning Vizag as India's future economic and tech hub, the 'Gateway of the East.' He said Andhra University is creating the infrastructure needed to become a world‑class institution, using the city's growth, innovation and talent pool for academic excellence and research.

He urged every alumnus to guide at least one student, offering time, expertise or resources. He said that many great ideas stall for lack of initial support; a small seed can give a powerful message that 'you are not alone; your university community stands with you.'

Vice‑Chancellor G.P. Rajasekhara said tAU, in its centenary year, is moving forward with plans for the next hundred years. He noted that AU has united alumni worldwide and highlighted the significance of the centenary year, which is being celebrated with a theme of women's empowerment.

Former Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao reminisced about his days as a law student at AU and credited the university for his political success. He urged students to make the most of their time and to set high goals, following the example of former President Abdul Kalam. He said AU continues to be a source of inspiration and called on students to grow into responsible youth.

The cultural segment featured performances reflecting Indian traditions'classical and folk dances that delighted the audience. International students also showcased their cultures. The evening highlighted women's empowerment with a special 'Ashtalakshmi' dance.