Hans News Service Visakhapatnam

TheDr BR Ambedkar Chair at Andhra University has been officially designated as the national nodal centre for the national portal of Dr Ambedkar Chairs across the country by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The prestigious recognition has been conferred at a time when the university is commemorating its centenary celebrations.

The designation of Andhra University as the national nodal centre marks a remarkable milestone, placing the institution at the forefront of coordinating, managing and strengthening the digital ecosystem of all Dr Ambedkar Chairs across India.

The national portal serves as a unified platform for documentation, research dissemination, knowledge sharing and academic collaboration in alignment with the vision of Dr BR Ambedkar and the mission of ‘Digital India’ for inclusive growth.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment, Prof James Stephen Meka, Chair Professor of the Dr Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University, has been designated as the national nodal officer for the portal.

Stakeholders across academic and policy circles appreciated Prof. James Stephen Meka for his consistent, result-oriented and visionary performance, which has transformed the Chair into a model centre of excellence at the national-level.

The Government of India has further strengthened this initiative by sanctioning a dedicated grant for the portal’s maintenance, technological upgradation, and national coordination activities over a five-year period.

As Andhra University celebrates 100 glorious years of its academic journey, the recognition adds another feather in the cap.

“This is not just an achievement, but a defining moment in the centenary celebrations, a reflection of our commitment to excellence, innovation, and social inclusion,” underlined Prof. James Stephen Meka and the stakeholders.

The university fraternity expressed delight over the development, hailing it as a historic accomplishment that highlights Andhra University’s position as a national leader in higher education and social justice initiatives.