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AU Convocation Hall turns venue for liquor auction
Andhra University, the citadel of learning in the coastal Andhra Pradesh, has become the venue for conducting a draw of lots for liquor shops in the district. To be more precise, the venue is Convocation Hall named after the first Vice Chancellor and founder of the University Sir Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy, the famous personality who shaped the education policy of India and a social reformer of
Visakhapatnam: Andhra University, the citadel of learning in the coastal Andhra Pradesh, has become the venue for conducting a draw of lots for liquor shops in the district. To be more precise, the venue is Convocation Hall named after the first Vice Chancellor and founder of the University Sir Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy, the famous personality who shaped the education policy of India and a social reformer of his times who fought against alcoholism.
It was here the first Assembly session of Andhra Pradesh was conducted in 1954 under the chief ministership of Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu. It is this sacred place where eminent personalities were honoured and bestowed with degrees during 81 convocations.
“It is shame that convocation hall is today the venue for the liquor vendors. Eminent personalities of international repute Sir CV Raman, the only noble laureate from Andhra University and first President of Independent India Dr Sarvepalle Radhakrishnan taught here. We the scholars were shocked to see the liquor barons and their goons hovering on the campus,’’ said a research scholar requesting anonymity.
“This is the place where Pandit Ravi Shankar gave his wonderful concert in the late 70s. And by conducting a liquor shops draw what message we are giving to the students? I know in the past several students were thrown out from the campus for good for consuming alcohol in the hostel.
Now we are encouraging them to consume liquor,’’ said a woman professor who teaches humanities in the campus and also a music lover. Members of the YSRCP Students Union stormed the Registrar and Vice Chancellor’s chambers in the day to register their protest but both had no explanation to offer.
Registrar Prof V Umamaheswara Rao told the students that he was not aware for what purpose the district administration sought the venue. “Recently we sought permission to conduct a seminar of special category status to Andhra Pradesh and it was turned down,’’ said president of the union B Kanta Rao.
Vice Chancellor Prof G Nageswara Rao refused to respond to this correspondent and suggested through his personal assistant that Registrar was the right person to answer the query.
