The city of destiny, Visakhapatnam today witnessed the 1st Convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh, held in the august presence of Rashtrapathi Droupadi Murmu.
Established in 2019 it is one of the top Central Universities located in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh and has been catering to the higher educational needs of the tribal population of Andhra Pradesh and also of the neighbouring States of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the students on this occasion President of India, Ms Droupadi Murmu said that the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh bears several special responsibilities.
It is expected to become a hub for fostering self-confidence, leadership and policy-making capabilities within tribal society.
She said that Institutions established with the objective of social justice also have a duty to work at the grassroots level for the education, health, skill development, livelihoods and forest rights of the tribal communities in their region.
The President added that all universities, particularly Tribal Universities, should have innovative systems in place to enhance the livelihoods of tribal people, facilitating productive work in areas such as forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism and local entrepreneurship.
Citing the goal to build Viksit Bharat by the year 2047 she expressed confidence that the Central Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh will play a significant role in achieving this objective through its meaningful, inclusive, and practical teaching methodology that focuses on environmental conservation.
Union Education Minister
India’s Union education minister Mr Dharmendra Pradhan called the first convocation of the university a moment of celebration, reflection and renewed commitment to the transformative power of education.
He said that the central tribal university embodies the spirit of the National education policy 2020.
The union minister however urged students to take the entrepreneurial route and become great leaders in their respective spheres of work.
“Become job creators. Don’t just go behind seeking jobs,” stated Mr Pradhan.
AP’s Governor
Addressing the students Mr S Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh informed that Andhra Pradesh is one of the States with a large number of Scheduled Tribes population of approximately 27.39 lakhs, constituting 5.53% of the total population of the State, as per the 2011 Census.
The tribal population of the State consists of 34 Scheduled Tribes, out of which 7 tribal groups, categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
The Scheduled Tribes in the State are primarily located in five erstwhile districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, and West Godavari, which are designated as Scheduled Areas, are contiguous to South Odisha and South Chhattisgarh.
Coffee Empowerment
AP’s governor hailed the famous ‘Araku,’ premium specialty coffee, for having become a great success story.
“This is cultivated by the tribal farmers in Araku valley, which is an initiative of the Girijan Cooperative Corporation and Naandi Foundation.
The coffee plantations of Araku valley provide round the year employment to the local tribal families. The initiative boasts of the world’s largest tribal organic coffee farmers’ cooperative with more than 40,000 members” he said.
HRD Minister
Addressing the convocation AP’s minister for HRD, IT & electronics Mr Nara Lokesh called upon the graduating class to make a meaningful change in society.
“Real education is about making a difference in people’s lives. Today you are getting a degree. But tomorrow life will ask you a big question.
What difference have you made to society? The real purpose of education is not just to earn a degree… Real education is about showing solutions that change people’s lives. We are living in the age of AI.
AI can give answers. But human values, curiosity, compassion, and individuality will never be replaced” opined the state’s HRD minister.
CTU Chancellor
The university’s Chancellor Mr Madan Lal Meena described the First Convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh as a landmark in the University’s journey towards excellence and inclusive higher education.
He noted that, despite being a young institution, CTUAP has made significant progress by introducing programmes in science, social sciences and management, alongside promoting research and innovation.
Emphasising the importance of academia-industry-government collaboration, he urged graduating students to uphold integrity, pursue lifelong learning and use their education with humility and a sense of responsibility to serve society.
Vice Chancellor
Prof. T. Srinivasan, Vice Chancellor, Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh informed that since 2022, the University has been operating a dedicated Tribal Skill Development Centre, creating opportunities for skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, and livelihood.
He added that the university has adopted two villages, Kondakarakam and S. Burjavalasa to support tribal community development.
“Our mission is not only to provide quality higher education but also to preserve tribal knowledge systems, empower tribal youth, and integrate traditional wisdom with modern science for inclusive and sustainable development,” said the Vice Chancellor.
