Nagarjuna University should strive to match Takshashila, Nalanda, says academic

Acharya Nagarjuna University should emerge as a centre of excellence on a par with the ancient universities of Takshashila and Nalanda, former Krishna University Vice-Chancellor M. K. Durga Prasad said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a felicitation programme for former university administrators as part of the university’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, Prof. Durga Prasad said Acharya Nagarjuna University had made remarkable progress since its inception. Vice-Chancellor Kancherla Gangadhara Rao presided over the event.

Recalling the university’s early years, Prof. Durga Prasad said classes were initially conducted in temporary sheds because of inadequate infrastructure. The campus, once dotted with trees and anthills, has since evolved into a modern educational institution with improved facilities, he said.

Referring to the neighbouring villages of Namburu and Kantheru, he said they had historical links to the Eastern Chalukya rule between the seventh and thirteenth centuries. He stressed the need to further strengthen teaching standards and promote quality research.

Former Vice-Chancellors B. Syamsunder and K. R. S. Sambasiva Rao, State Higher Education Council Vice-Chairman K. Ratna Sheelamani, Rector Ramineni Sivaram Prasad and Registrar G. Simhachalam also addressed the gathering and shared their association with the university.