Retired Teachers Reflect on Kakatiya University's Early Days at Golden Jubilee Event

Retired faculty of Kakatiya University convened in Warangal on Tuesday to mark the institution's golden jubilee, a celebration spanning 1976 to 2026. The Kakatiya University Retired Teachers’ Association (KURTA) organized the event, which saw numerous former professors, some in their 80s and 90s, attend.

Attendees recounted their experiences teaching and conducting research at the university, specifically recalling the limitations in resources and infrastructure during its initial years. Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Pratap Reddy, who was the chief guest, acknowledged the significant impact these retired teachers had on elevating the university's standing nationally and internationally. Plans are underway to celebrate the golden jubilee throughout the year, with input from senior faculty and retired employee associations.

KURTA president Prof. A. Sadanandam, who led the proceedings, discussed the university's progression and the involvement of its staff and students in the Telangana movement and other social causes. He noted that Kakatiya University originated in 1968 as a postgraduate center of Osmania University with four departments before becoming an independent university on August 19, 1976. A core objective of the university was to extend higher education opportunities to economically disadvantaged, weaker sections, and students from rural areas. The contributions of the first Vice-Chancellor, the late Prof. K. Venkataramaiah, in establishing a strong foundation were also remembered.

Key Facts

• Kakatiya University Retired Teachers’ Association (KURTA) organized a function to mark the golden jubilee of Kakatiya University (1976–2026).
• The event took place on Tuesday in Warangal.
• Kakatiya University began as a Post-Graduate Centre of Osmania University in 1968 with four departments.
• It became a full-fledged university on August 19, 1976.
• One of the university’s primary objectives was to make higher education accessible to the poor, weaker sections, and rural students.
• Prof. K. Pratap Reddy is the current Vice-Chancellor.
• Prof. A. Sadanandam is the KURTA president.
• Senior retired teachers Prof. Seetharama Rao, Prof. Vidyavati, and Prof. M. Kistaiah were felicitated.
• A golden jubilee souvenir was released during the event.
• Ghanpur MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari attended and spoke about strengthening public education and adapting to emerging technologies like AI.