Education is the real wealth that a person can carry throughout life – Dr.G.Viswanathan – Chancellor

Amaravati, August 13, 2026: VIT-AP University organized a Freshers Student Orientation Programme to formally welcome the new batch of students for the academic year 2026–27 and to introduce them to the academic environment, opportunities and values of the University. The programme brought together university leadership, industry experts, faculty members, students and parents, providing the freshers with valuable insights into their higher-education journey and the opportunities ahead.
The programme featured Richard King, Region Head – Academic Alliances, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Hyderabad, as the Chief Guest. Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor, VIT University, delivered the Presidential Address. Sandal Kotawala, Founder & CEO, Alfaleaus Technology Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, was the Guest of Honour.
In his address to the freshers, Chief Guest Richard King encouraged students to view their entry into university as the beginning of a new journey to discover their potential, build their identity and shape their future. He urged students to acknowledge the support and sacrifices of their parents in helping them reach this important milestone.
“You have now embarked on a new path—one that gives you the opportunity to discover yourself, build your identity and shape your future. What you learn, how you learn and how you apply that knowledge will play an important role in creating your future,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration and continuous learning, he added that the campus provides students with an excellent opportunity to interact and learn from peers from diverse backgrounds. With technology evolving rapidly, he advised students to stay updated and focus on developing expertise in their chosen areas rather than attempting to learn everything. He encouraged them to identify their domain of interest, continuously deepen their knowledge and make the most of the opportunities available on campus.
Delivering the Presidential Address, Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor, VIT University, emphasized that education is the most enduring form of wealth that an individual can possess. Drawing upon the wisdom expressed in Tamil literature, he observed that education cannot be destroyed, stolen or taken away and, unlike material wealth, grows when it is shared with others.
“Education is the real wealth that a person can carry throughout life. It can neither be washed away by floods, nor destroyed by fire, nor stolen by anyone. On the contrary, education grows when it is shared with others,” he said.
Dr. G.Viswanathan stressed that nations aspiring for economic and social progress must prioritize education and ensure access to quality higher education. Referring to India's higher-education landscape, he highlighted the need for greater investment in education and observed that India should work towards the recommended allocation of 6% of GDP to education. He also pointed to the country's Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education and the significantly higher enrolment levels in several developed countries, underscoring the need to expand access and strengthen India's higher-education ecosystem.
As the Guest of Honour, Sandal Kotawala, Founder & CEO, Alfaleaus Technology Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, shared his personal journey as a student of VIT Vellore in 2014. Recalling the encouragement, he received from the faculty and Dean, he spoke about how the University's environment enabled him to pursue his ideas and transform them into innovation.
Reflecting on his experience, he said that the freedom to express an idea, explore it and develop it with the support of the management and faculty gave him the confidence to pursue his innovation. His journey subsequently led to the development of a compact device (IVA) designed to detect glaucoma at an early stage, with the potential to provide a more convenient alternative to larger equipment currently used in many eye hospitals.
Encouraging the new batch, he urged students to make full use of the freedom, guidance and opportunities available to them and to transform their ideas into meaningful innovations.
Dr. P. Arulmozhivarman, Vice Chancellor, VIT-AP University, emphasized that the purpose of education extends beyond merely earning a degree. He encouraged students to discover their potential, nurture their talents and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to succeed in life.
“Education is not merely about earning a degree; it is about discovering your potential, nurturing your talents and developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in life,” he said.
He urged the freshers to explore new ideas, embrace opportunities, learn from their experiences and strive to become not only successful students but also responsible and accomplished individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti, Registrar, VIT-AP University, delivered the Welcome Address and formally welcomed the new students and their parents to the University.
 Dr. John Pradeep, Deputy Director – Admissions, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the University's efforts to support students as they begin their academic journey.
The programme concluded with an encouraging message to the new students to make the most of their years at VIT-AP University, develop their individual strengths, pursue their aspirations with confidence and contribute to building a better society.