Hyderabad: On Saturday, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka expressed the state government’s commitment to enhancing public universities as centers of excellence and freedom of expression. He spoke to faculty, students, and officials at Osmania University’s Annual Day at the historic Arts College.
Vikramarka emphasized the importance of education and the freedom of ideas in creating a vibrant and inclusive Telangana.
Reflecting on the university’s legacy, Vikramarka stated, “Osmania University reflects the spirit of Telangana. In a democracy, free expression is paramount.” He lamented the decade-long erosion of freedoms following the state’s challenging journey to its formation. Sharing insights from the ‘People’s March’, he noted that these experiences shaped the Congress government’s efforts to restore democratic values, leading to what he termed a genuine “people’s government”. Vikramarka announced new initiatives to transform higher education in Telangana, focusing on turning public universities into skill hubs that meet industry demands.
To prepare students for global challenges, the government will introduce English-medium instruction, aiming to equip students for success in an interconnected world.
Additionally, he highlighted Telangana’s pioneering step in completing a comprehensive caste census, marking it as the first state in India to do so. “Education and healthcare are central to our agenda,” he said, encouraging disadvantaged students to seize these opportunities for the state’s and nation’s growth.
During the event, OU Vice-Chancellor Prof Kumar Molugaram praised the revitalized atmosphere of the Arts College and acknowledged the progress under principal Prof C Qasim and his team.
