Shatabdi Mahotsav sets the tone for Andhra University’s centenary run-up

The Shatabdi Mahotsav of Andhra University, a three-day cultural festival that began on April 6 at the AU Engineering Grounds, has set the stage for a series of events leading up to the centenary foundation day of Andhra University on April 26.

Conceived as the ceremonial opening of the centenary run-up, the cultural festival, being held from April 6 to 8, anchors a wider calendar blending cultural, academic and outreach programmes over the next three weeks.

On Tuesday, the second day of the festival, MP M. Sribharat and actor Sivaji attended as guests, even as performances ranging from classical to folk traditions drew participation from students and local artistes. The concluding day on April 8 is expected to be attended by Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan as the chief guest.

The immediate schedule reflects a mix of academic engagement and cultural programming. A five-day workshop on ‘KOHA’, an open-source integrated library system (ILS), is being conducted from April 6 to 10, alongside literary and classical arts events, including a Kavi Sammelanam on April 7 and a national workshop on Indian classical music and dance from April 8 to 10.

From April 10 to 15, the university will undertake AU@100 awareness campaigns under the banner “AU Calling”, aimed at faculty, staff and students. A panel discussion on the Centre for Distance and Online Education is scheduled for April 13, followed by a women’s rally on April 16.

Vice-Chancellor G. P. Raja Shekar said the centenary had been designed as a phased engagement. He said a year-long programme had been initiated, anchored in academic excellence, infrastructure and outreach.

The focus will shift from April 18 to constituent units and affiliated institutions. He said April 18 would mark the centenary of affiliated colleges, followed by celebrations at constituent colleges on April 19, 21, 22 and 23.

According to the schedule, April 19 will feature events at the College of Arts and Commerce, Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, and Andhra University School of International Business. April 21 will see programmes at the College of Science and Technology and the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Events will be held on April 22 at the College of Engineering and the College of Engineering for Women, and on April 23 at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar College of Law. A break has been scheduled on April 20 in view of Chandanotsavam.

The series will culminate on April 26 with the centenary foundation day celebrations. Senior public representatives, including Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, along with distinguished alumni, are expected to attend. The occasion will include the felicitation of eminent personalities and the laying of foundation stones.