Amaravati’s soil, air and water shaped my life, says former CJI

Amaravati embodies the aspirations of a new Andhra Pradesh — rooted in heritage yet striving for the future, said former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana.

Speaking at the fifth convocation of VIT-AP University, held on Andhra Pradesh Formation Day, Justice Ramana reflected on the region’s legacy — from ancient Buddhist scholars to modern innovators — and paid glowing tributes to leaders from the land who shaped modern Andhra. Their struggles, he said, paved the way for the creation of linguistic States and underscored the enduring significance of language and cultural identity.

Sharing personal memories, Justice Ramana said the soil, air, and water of Amaravati had shaped him as a student, a leader, and a lawyer. Recalling his youth spent around the Krishna river, he said, “Whatever happens on this soil affects me deeply. Amaravati continues to inspire me.”

Justice Ramana lauded the farmers of Amaravati, describing their five-year agitation as the longest farmers’ protest in southern India since Independence. He saluted their courage, patience, and faith in the “judicial system and democratic process,” reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful dissent.

Reflecting on challenges, he recalled how his family was targeted and false cases were filed against them during turbulent times. Even judges who upheld constitutional values faced pressure, he said, stressing that “institutions are tested in crisis, not in comfort.” “Governments may change, but the courts and the rule of law remain the anchors of stability,” he observed, adding that “the rule of law survives only when people preserve public trust and refuse to surrender integrity for convenience.” He urged the youth not to lose faith. “You will inherit a world that punishes sincerity and rewards silence, but the true power of democracy lies in the moral stamina of its citizens,” he said.

Senior Director of Samsung Electronics, Bengaluru, Rajeev Verma, advised students to keep learning and adapting in an ever-changing world. “The skills and values you have imbibed on this campus will empower you to face global challenges with confidence,” he said.

VIT Founder and Chancellor G. Viswanathan expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence. A total of 3,117 graduates received their degrees at the convocation. Among them, 28 students were awarded gold medals and 126 students secured ranks. The degrees awarded included: Ph.D. (114), M.Tech (5-year Integrated Software Engineering) (72), B.Tech in Computer Science and other specialisations (2,483), M.Tech (VLSI) (15), B.Tech in Electronics and Communication (180), B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (43), BBA (77), B.Com (5), B.Sc (Data Science) (22), M.Sc (Chemistry) (8), M.Sc (Data Science) (56), B.A. LL.B (Hons.) (13), BBA LL.B (Hons.) (14), and B.A. (15). The event was attended by 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, along with deans of various schools, faculty members, staff, and parents.