Former Minister and Telugu Desam Party leader Peethala Sujata has called for active community participation to ensure the success of the upcoming ‘Pathasala Panduga’ (School Festival), scheduled to take place across Andhra Pradesh on December 7. Addressing a press conference at the TDP central office in Mangalagiri on Saturday, Sujata highlighted the event’s significance in strengthening ties between parents, teachers, students, alumni, and donors.
Organised under the leadership of Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh, the ‘Pathasala Panduga’ aims to foster collaboration and enhance the educational environment. Sujata noted that the initiative seeks to reduce student anxieties, encourage interest in education, and create a positive atmosphere in schools.
“This event is a major step towards educational development and must be free from political influence,” Sujata stated. She lauded the efforts of the Education Minister, citing initiatives such as the upcoming mega DSC recruitment drive, which will provide teaching jobs to 16,347 individuals.
She also mentioned the government’s commitment to restoring key directives for schools in tribal areas and ensuring timely payment of salaries to teachers and staff on the 1st of every month, easing financial pressures. Reflecting on the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime, Sujata criticised the sharp decline in the state’s educational standards, which dropped from third to nineteenth place nationally.
Calling for collective efforts, Sujata urged parents, former students, and donors to actively participate in the festival, which she described as a pioneering event being organised statewide for the first time. Emphasising the festival’s theme—“Educate, Empower, Engage”—she encouraged stakeholders to contribute advice and ideas for the betterment of students’ futures.
In conclusion, Sujata expressed her hope that the ‘Pathasala Panduga’ would mark a new chapter in advancing educational standards and fostering a supportive learning environment.
on Saturday, he stressed that holistic education (‘Vidya’) should instil humility (‘Vinayam’), which in turn provides the eligibility (‘Patrata’) to achieve success. He urged students to embrace yoga, pranayama, and exercise to stay strong and healthy.
Kovind, the chief guest, expressed happiness in addressing the convocation, while Andhra Pradesh Governor Syed Abdul Nazeer, the guest of honour, conferred degrees to graduates. Kovind highlighted the need for skills alongside degrees in the 21st century, urging youth to embrace continuous learning.
Drawing from his own experience, he recalled walking 6 km daily for his education in a rural area.
KL University President Koneru Satyanarayana noted that the institution instils social responsibility in students through rural service programmes. He highlighted graduates securing jobs with salaries up to Rs 57 lakhs.
Vice-Chancellor Dr G Parthasarathy Varma announced that 4,706 students, including 166 Ph.D. scholars, would receive degrees. He lauded the completion of over 170 national and international projects and mentioned Rs 100 crore funding from the UGC for the university.
The event, presided over by Registrar Dr K Subba Rao, saw participation from KLEF Secretary Koneru Siva Kanchanalatha, Vice President Koneru Raja Harin, board members, deans, directors, and department heads.
