President Murmu to Attend First Tribal University Convocation in Andhra Today

President Droupadi Murmu will begin a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh today, lending national significance to the inaugural convocation ceremonies of two Central universities established in the state after bifurcation. The President's visit is being seen as a major boost to Andhra Pradesh's higher education sector and a recognition of the growing role of newly established institutions in promoting academic excellence, research and inclusive development.

The President will participate as the chief guest at the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) in Visakhapatnam today and the Central University of Andhra Pradesh (CUAP) in Anantapur on Wednesday. The visit is expected to highlight the Centre's commitment to expanding quality higher education and creating greater opportunities for students from tribal, rural and underserved communities.

According to the official schedule, President Murmu will arrive in Visakhapatnam at around 1 p.m. and attend the maiden convocation of CTUAP. After the event, she will travel to Bengaluru for an overnight stay. On July 1, she will fly from Bengaluru's HAL Airport to Anantapur by helicopter to participate in the first convocation of CUAP before returning to New Delhi later in the day.

The visit carries special significance as President Murmu, India's first tribal President , will be addressing graduates of a university established to advance tribal education and empowerment. Set up under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 , CTUAP was envisioned as a centre of excellence for tribal studies, indigenous knowledge systems and community-focused research. The university seeks to improve access to higher education for students from tribal and remote regions while preserving and promoting India's rich tribal heritage.

Meanwhile, CUAP, established in 2018 in Anantapur, is among the flagship institutions created in Andhra Pradesh following bifurcation. Over the years, it has expanded its academic programmes across sciences, humanities, commerce and social sciences, emerging as a key centre of higher learning in the Rayalaseema region.

During both convocations, the President is expected to confer degrees on graduating students and deliver messages on education, innovation, social responsibility and nation-building . Her presence at these landmark ceremonies is being viewed as a recognition of the progress made by the two universities and their contribution to shaping the future workforce and leadership of the country.