**Executive Summary**
On April 27, 2026, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the Centenary Celebrations of Andhra University in Visakhapatnam to commemorate its 100-year milestone. The event highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s status as a premier investment hub, accounting for over 25% of India's proposed investments for 2025–26, and celebrated the declaration of Amaravati as the permanent state capital. Key activities included the signing of three international and domestic MoUs and the presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Andhra University Centenary and Legacy**
* The university was recognized as a "melting pot of ideas" that has shaped generations of leaders and contributed to nation-building over the last century.
* The Vice-President honored the legacy of former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, emphasizing his vision of education for cultivating intellect and character.
* Commemorative items including a coin, a stamp, and a coffee table book were released to mark the historic occasion.
* Distinguished Alumni Awards were conferred upon notable figures, including M. Venkaiah Naidu, K. Hari Babu, Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, and others.
**Economic Growth and Innovation Hub**
* Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a top destination for investments, supported by investor-friendly policies like time-bound clearances and a robust single-window system.
* Visakhapatnam is developing into a critical growth hub for sectors including IT, data centres, electronics, tourism, and digital infrastructure.
* Global technology companies, such as Google, have shown increasing confidence through significant investments in the state.
* The state’s technology ecosystem has been accelerated by leadership focusing on innovation and rapid development.
**Administrative and Strategic Milestones**
* Amaravati has been officially declared the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh following the passage of a relevant Bill in Parliament.
* The Vice-President noted that the decision provides clarity, stability, and direction for the state’s administrative future.
* The state’s progress is aligned with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat,” predicated on the development of "Viksit States."
**Institutional Collaborations**
* Three MoUs were exchanged between Andhra University and external partners: the University of Florida (USA), Oxmiq Labs Inc. (USA), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
**Impact Analysis**
**Andhra University Students, Faculty, and Alumni**
**Impact**
They are part of an institution recognized for a century of excellence and will benefit from enhanced global research opportunities through new MoUs with international and national organizations.
**Action Required**
The university community is encouraged to maintain the vision of cultivating character and intellect while utilizing new partnerships to contribute to the "Viksit Bharat" vision.
**Investors and Technology Companies**
**Impact**
Companies gain access to a state with high global confidence, 25% of the country’s proposed investments, and streamlined access to land, power, and a skilled workforce.
**Action Required**
Interested entities should leverage the state’s single-window system and investor-friendly policies to establish projects in emerging hubs like Visakhapatnam.
**The People of Andhra Pradesh**
**Impact**
The population receives administrative stability and a clear sense of identity with the permanent establishment of Amaravati as the state capital.
**Action Required**
The public is urged to face challenges with confidence and patience, mirroring the state's trajectory toward becoming a major innovation and investment hub.
Key Entities Referenced
Andhra University: A premier educational institution celebrating its centenary milestone, recognized for its historic role in nation-building and its contribution to India's educational journey.
Viksit Bharat: A national initiative for a developed India, highlighted in the policy discourse as a vision that requires the active development and progress of individual states.
Amaravati: Designated as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh following the passage of a legislative bill in Parliament, aimed at providing administrative stability for the state.
C. P. Radhakrishnan: The Vice-President of India who presided over the centenary celebrations and outlined the state's emergence as a major hub for investment and innovation.
30th CII Partnership Summit: A significant economic forum referenced as a key benchmark for Andhra Pradesh's progress in attracting investments and strengthening its technology ecosystem.
Vice President's Secretariat
Andhra University a ‘Melting Pot of Ideas and
Leadership’, Says Vice-President at the
Centenary Celebrations of the University in
Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh Emerging as a Major Investment and
Innovation Hub: Vice-President
Amaravati as Permanent Capital Reflects People’s
Aspirations: Vice-President
‘Viksit Bharat Requires Viksit States’: Vice-President Echoes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Posted On: 27 APR 2026 7:15PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, graced the Centenary Celebrations of Andhra University
in Visakhapatnam today.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan graced the Centenary Celebrations of
Andhra University in Visakhapatnam today, calling it a “historic milestone” in
India’s educational journey.
Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri Abdul Nazeer, former Vice President of India
Shri M. Venkaiah… pic.twitter.com/7UTtWXqR2r
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 27, 2026
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said it was a privilege to be part of the historic occasion
marking a century of excellence of Andhra University, an institution that has not only witnessed history
but has also helped shape it. He noted that over the past hundred years, the University has served as a
melting pot of ideas, nurturing generations of students who have contributed significantly to nation-
building.
Recalling with deep respect the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of the
University and one of India’s most distinguished philosophers and statesmen, the Vice-President
highlighted his vision of education as a means to cultivate both intellect and character. He said that this
vision continues to resonate strongly even today.The Vice-President also highlighted the association of eminent personalities with Visakhapatnam,
including Nobel Laureate C. V. Raman, who pursued his early education in the city, and former Vice-
President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, a distinguished alumnus of the University. He noted that Andhra
University has produced several eminent personalities, including recipients of the Shanti Swarup
Bhatnagar Award, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, and Sahitya Akademi honours.
Referring to his earlier visit to Visakhapatnam for the 30th CII Partnership Summit, the Vice-President
expressed satisfaction at the rapid progress made by Andhra Pradesh under the leadership of Chief
Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. He noted that the State has accelerated its development journey,
attracting significant investments and strengthening its position as a hub of innovation and growth. He
also acknowledged the role of IT Minister Shri Nara Lokesh in promoting the State’s technology
ecosystem.
Highlighting the increasing global confidence in Andhra Pradesh, the Vice-President referred to the
interest and investments by leading technology companies such as Google. He noted that Visakhapatnam
is emerging as a key growth hub, particularly in sectors such as data centres, IT, tourism, electronics, and
digital infrastructure, with major projects including hyperscale data centres and IT investments.
The Vice-President congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh on Amaravati being declared the
permanent capital of the State following the passage of the relevant Bill in Parliament. He noted that he
had the privilege of presiding over the Rajya Sabha during the passage of the Bill and witnessed the joy
and pride of the people. He described the decision as a reflection of the collective aspirations of the people
and one that will provide clarity, stability, and direction for the State’s administrative future.
Referring to the vision of a developed India, the Vice-President recalled the words of Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi that “Viksit Bharat can only be realized through Viksit States.” He said Andhra Pradesh
has emerged as one of the fastest-growing States, driven by visionary leadership, strong governance, and
effective execution.
He noted that Andhra Pradesh has become a leading destination for investments, accounting for over 25
percent of the country’s proposed investments in 2025–26. He highlighted the State’s investor-friendly
policies, including time-bound clearances, transparent governance, and a robust single-window system
providing seamless access to land, power, connectivity, and skilled workforce.
Mentioning that success takes time, the Vice-President said that even the “God of Cricket,” as Sachin
Tendulkar is fondly called, had to wait to achieve his century of centuries. He emphasized that patience is
essential to achieving success.
He added that one must learn to manage internal pressure. He said failures teach valuable lessons and
should not be allowed to demoralize individuals, urging everyone to face life with confidence.
During the occasion, the Vice-President conferred Distinguished Alumni Awards on M. Venkaiah Naidu,
former Vice-President of India; K. Hari Babu, Governor of Odisha; Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, Founder &
Chairman of GMR Group; K. Padmanabhaiah, former Union Home Secretary, Government of India; B. V.
R. Mohan Reddy, Founder & Executive Chairman of Cyient; Satyanarayana Chava, Founder & CEO of
Laurus Labs; V. S. Raju, former Director, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; M. R. Madhav, former
Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur; Vijay Joshi, CEO of Press Trust of India; and Trivikram
Srinivas, filmmaker.Vice President also released a commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and a coffee table book on
the occasion. Three MoUs were also exchanged between Andhra University and the University of Florida,
USA; Oxmiq Labs Inc., USA; and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in the presence of
the Vice President. He later visited a photo exhibition showcasing the history of Andhra University and its
evolution.
The Vice President also visited a photo exhibition showcasing the history of
Andhra University and its evolution during the occasion. pic.twitter.com/4Z39MXF
FSJ
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 27, 2026
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chancellor of Andhra University Shri Abdul Nazeer; former Vice-
President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu; Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu; Union Minister of Civil
Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu; Legendary cricketer Shri Sachin Tendulkar; Governor of
Odisha
Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati ; Union Minister of State Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma; Minister for
IT & HRD Shri Nara Lokesh; Minister for Social Welfare Shri Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy;
Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. P. Raja Sekhar; along with students, faculty members, staff, and alumni were
present on the occasion.
Earlier today, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan offered prayers at Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple and
Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan offered prayers at Sri Kurmanatha
Swamy Temple and Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Srikakulam
district, Andhra Pradesh today. pic.twitter.com/swZrTZEEaA
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 27, 2026
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan was warmly welcomed upon his arrival at
Visakhapatnam by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Abdul Nazeer; Speaker
of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu;
and Minister of Social Welfare, Government of… pic.twitter.com/ur6kEYy1s5
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 27, 2026
***
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