Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh organized 1st Convocation, The Honorable President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the 1st convocation ceremony as Chief Guest, marking a significant milestone for the 7-year-old Central University. Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, AP Governor Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, and AP State Education, IT & HRD Minister Shri Nara Lokesh and AP Tribal, women & child welfare minister Shri Gummadi Sandhya Rani were attended. The 1st Convocation of CTUAP was held on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at V Convention Centre, Novotel, Visakhapatnam. The university is located in Vizianagaram district and currently operates from its transit campus at Kondakarakam
About CTUAP:
Established to expand access to higher education for tribal communities and promote tribal studies, indigenous culture and sustainable development Started in 2019 with 2 programs, now offers 14 programs including UG, PG, Diploma, PG Diploma, and 5-Year Integrated programs. Currently has around 690 students on rolls. On the 1st Convocation, a total of 373 students received degrees and certificates, and 13 students were awarded gold medals and 6 students awarded Rank cum Merit Certificate for outstanding academic performance. Hon’ble Chancellor Madan Lal Meena, Officiating Vice-Chancellor Prof. T. Srinivasan and Officiating Prof. Registrar Jitendra Mohan Mishra and Officiating Finance Officer Prof.M.Sarath Chandrababu were present on the dais during the event. They addressed as marking the university’s focus on tribal studies, indigenous knowledge, and inclusive education.
The entire teaching and non-teaching staff mobilized collectively to ensure seamless execution. Under the administration’s leadership, specialized steering committees were established to manage critical responsibilities, ranging from registration infrastructure to strict security and ceremonial protocols. The faculty members carefully curated the eligibility rosters and oversaw the distribution of traditional graduation attire (Uttariya). Working in complete synchronization, the administrative and academic staff successfully hosted dignitaries establishing a landmark academic milestone for the university.
Honorable President of India Address:
Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu told students to become job creators, not just job seekers. She urged them to stay connected to their community, culture, and traditions while using education to uplift marginalized and tribal sections of society. The President said CTUAP must become a hub for self-confidence, leadership and policy-making in tribal society. She emphasized universities should promote livelihoods through forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants and eco-tourism. She called for continuous learning and innovation to adapt to new technologies like AI for national progress.
Honorable Governor of Andhra Pradesh address:
Hon’ble Governor S. Abdul Nazeer said CTUAP will play a key role in addressing challenges faced by tribal youth. He stated that apart from providing access to higher education, the university must ensure culturally relevant and quality education through multilingual learning, responsive pedagogy, and curriculum that integrates tribal knowledge systems. The Governor highlighted increased female literacy among tribals and mentioned government schemes like Ashram Schools, Residential Schools, ITIs, and pre-exam coaching for competitive exams to support tribal students. He congratulated all graduates and medal winners.
Honorable Union Education Minister’s address:
Hon’ble Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged the institution to document and promote indigenous tribal wisdom regarding biodiversity, agriculture, and sustainable living. He emphasized the university’s vital role in bridging academic research with local community needs, unlocking the vast potential of North Andhra. Addressing the graduates, Minister Pradhan reminded them that they are entering the professional world at a historic moment, tasking them to act as the key architects of a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Honorable AP Education, IT & HRD Minister’s Address:
Hon’ble AP Education, IT & HRD Minister Sri Nara Lokesh addressed the graduates.He said “every generation inherits a nation, but education determines what kind of nation it leaves behind”. He called the convocation a celebration of inclusion and equal opportunity, and said quality education must reach every section for a “Viksit Bharat”. he described tribal universities as engines of social transformation that give equal opportunity to underserved communities. He praised President Murmu’s journey as proof that education transforms lives, and urged students to become job creators with confidence, values and courage.
Student’s Participation :
At the historic 1st Convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP), student participation took center stage, showcasing academic excellence and rich cultural inclusivity.A total of 373 graduates from five consecutive batches received their diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate, and integrated programmes degrees.Highlighting their dedication, 13 exceptional students were honored with prestigious university gold medals and 6 students were honored with Rank-cum-Merit certificates for their out standing performance in acdemics.Notably, tribal communities represented a significant 20% to 28% of the graduating class, reflecting the institution’s core mission. For many, it was the first graduation in their families, making the event a celebration of inclusion and equal opportunity. Students from tribal communities participated with families present, marking CTUAP’s role in expanding higher education access . Donning traditional white attire and the university Uttariya, the enthusiastic students proudly stepped into their futures as the recognized architects of a developed nation. The convocation gave students recognition, motivation, and a sense of responsibility to contribute to tribal development and nation-building.
