Adikavi Nannaya University Vice-chancellor: Mr. M Jagannadha Rao Interview

Mr. M Jagannadha Rao is the Vice-chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. He has completed his B.Sc, M.Sc, M.S. Engineering(USA), PG Diploma and Ph.D(USA). He has specialized in Coastal Geology, Deltas, Mineral Resources and Processing, Petroleum Exploration, Coal, Environmental Geology, Computer Applications Groundwater, Remote Sensing and GIS, Natural materials, Earth’s Evolution. He has teaching and research experience expanding over three decades and is a passionate educator. He has attracted significant funding from ONGC and other Oil Companies in the form of Research Projects, Consultancy projects etc. He also has extended consultancy services under MOU to Oil companies including ONGC, Oil India and Reliance Petroleum. His contributions to this domain have been immense and have won him several accolades.

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Teaching is my passion, and I strive to stay in touch with my students”

I strongly believe that the education sector is based on the passion of the teachers and the curiosity of the students. As long as the teacher is able to nurture this curiosity and channel it in the right direction, education’s purpose is served. I chose to become a teacher of Geology and have even given up the selections in UPSC and Group Services because I am driven by a passion to teach. I try to stay in touch with my students and keep myself up to date on my field even today. 

What is the vision and mission of Adikavi Nannaya University?

“This University aims to combine the pristine cultural ethos and the contemporary demands”

The aim is to uphold the simple but profound motto SarvartraVidyaVardhatePraja, which stands for expansive education that leads to the enhancement of the people. Adikavi Nannaya University will nurture its students as the citizens of the globe on the rich fundamentals of Indian culture while respecting all its diverse ideas. Combining classroom and field lab learning processes, nurtured through academia-industry relationships, the student shall embark on a journey of intellectual transformation. The University is committed to achieve its mission through outstanding research and scholarship, education and practice the free exchange of ideas. 

What are the courses and facilities offered by Adikavi Nannaya University?

“UG, PG, and doctoral studies in arts, business, management, education, and engineering”

The University at present offers over 30 programs in Arts, Commerce, Management, Education, Science and Engineering at UG, PG and doctoral levels. The various programs are designed to cater to the different and changing needs of the job market. Entrance to the programs is through the annual NANNAYACET for PG courses. 

There is a large central library located on the campus that hosts all the necessary books and materials for the benefit of the students. The University has separate and well-equipped hostels for boys and girls. A health centre is also located on the campus. The University premises are renowned for their sports facilities and plans are underway to construct swimming pools and indoor stadiums.

How does your university offer students an advantage over other colleges?

“Students learn from academicians and industrialists, allowing a clearer perspective on the job market”

The advantage of studying on the university campus is the increased exposure to eminent academicians. In addition to nurturing academic zeal, the University atmosphere informs students about the various opportunities for research and higher education. Therefore, the students in the University can contribute more to the progress of the domain through their research. Moreover, the students with their exposure to academicians and industrialists can establish a much clearer perspective of the job market and make better use of the opportunities. 

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How does the curriculum ensure the best practice of industry?

“Through a Board of Studies, the curriculum is revised annually to add recent updates”

Adikavi Nannaya University ensures that an updated curriculum is followed throughout its programs. This is done through annual revisions of the curriculum through the Board of Studies (BoS). As a University, the institute is free to design and implement its own curriculum; however, the University must adhere to the guidelines of bodies such as UGC and AICTE. We further ensure that the curriculum is relevant by incorporating industrialists and industry representatives. 

What are the student welfare practices at Adikavi Nannaya University? 

“NSS coordinates a number of community service projects through volunteers”

Adikavi Nannaya University has a strong front in NSS with over 29,000 students across the districts of East and West Godavari. The NSS Cell of the University coordinates many community service programs. Our cell is represented in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi every year. The University also has student clubs that cater to the various interests of the students. There are initiatives such as Eklavya that give skill enhancement opportunities to the students of the hostels. 

How does Adikavi Nannaya University differ from other higher education institutions?

“The largest university in Andhra Pradesh in terms of affiliation”

Adikavi Nannaya University is the largest University in terms of affiliation in the state of Andhra Pradesh. We have under our purview, over 400 colleges of various levels spread across the districts of East and West Godavari. Additionally, we have the largest number of students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in these colleges. More than 100 programs are offered by the University through these colleges. 

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and aspiring students?

“Students should explore the different facets of their interests”

I think the current youth are sources of endless enthusiasm and curiosity. By providing the right conditions and information, they can be channelled properly. The youth should be aware of this energy and use it for the betterment of their lives. A person should be able to explore the different dimensions of their interests and choose a career path that best suits their interests.