Lokesh envisions AP as top education hub in five years

In his address at the International Higher Education Fair (IHEF) organized by VIT-AP at VIT University on Thursday, Lokesh emphasized the importance of preparing youth as job creators rather than job seekers. He outlined plans to introduce advanced technology and foster startup culture, backed by a Rs. 250 crore seed fund through the AP Innovation Society. Lokesh created a buzz at the fair as he visited stalls set up by representatives from America, Britain, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada, each offering details on higher education opportunities, courses, admissions, stipends, and facilities in their respective countries. Engaging with the delegates, the Minister inquired about the offerings available to students pursuing higher education abroad, underlining his commitment to expanding global educational opportunities for Andhra Pradesh’s youth. At the event, Lokesh also took time to explore various student innovations showcased by Wit University. He expressed keen interest in a state-of-the-art drone developed by the students, capable of detecting floods and aiding agricultural work. The Minister also inspected other notable inventions, including a driverless vehicle, robotic hand rover, smart dog collar, Shakti 2.0 with next-generation pH sensors, and a high-speed drone that can reach 180 km/h in just three seconds. A humanoid robot designed by the students also caught his attention. Lokesh congratulated the students on their remarkable creativity, taking selfies and photos with them to celebrate their accomplishments. Highlighting the State's transformation, Lokesh encouraged students to focus on reinvention in line with global technological advancements. He also spoke about overcoming personal challenges, citing his electoral defeat in Mangalagiri in 2019, which motivated him to serve the people, ultimately leading to his victory in subsequent elections. Lokesh reiterated the government's commitment to developing Amaravati into a world-class city, with rapid infrastructure progress and plans to make Andhra Pradesh the highest per capita income state in India. He also praised Wit-AP for providing a global platform to connect Andhra Pradesh students with leading international universities. The event was attended by VIT-AP chancellor G Viswanathan, who also advocated for an increase in India’s education budget, noting that only 2.9 per cent of the central budget was allocated to education last year, compared to 4-6 per cent in developed countries. Ends//