A.P. Governor and Sri Venkateswara University Chancellor S. Abdul Nazeer presenting honorary doctorates to Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, Indian National Science Academy President Shekhar C. Mande, Bharat Biotech International Limited Executive Chairman Krishna M. Ella at a convocation in Tirupati on Wednesday. Vice-Chancellor Tata Narasinga Rao is also seen.
| Photo Credit: K.V. POORNACHANDRA KUMAR
Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, called upon the educated youth to use their knowledge to ensure meaningful social development by reaching out to rural and underserved communities.In his address delivered at the 63rd, 64th, 65th, 66th, 67th and 68th annual convocations conducted simultaneously at Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) in Tirupati on Wednesday, Prof. Sood referred to the issues not merely as policy concerns but ‘real world challenges’ that graduates could help solve.Laying emphasis on rural development, he explained how Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) had brought the 62 field-tested technologies developed by the seven IITs to the attention of 752 NGOs, while the ongoing second phase focussed on commercialisation.“One of the products, Sabjikothi, is a portable solar-powered storage unit that extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables from three days to 30 days without chemicals, preservatives or refrigerants. With 1,000 units already deployed across Bihar, Odisha, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, this technology reduces post-harvest losses by nearly 40%, directly benefitting small farmers and vendors,” Prof. Sood said.He also advised the youth to take a plunge in IoT-enabled agricultural tools, digital platforms for financial inclusion, robotics, smart manufacturing, logistics by focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration.Meanwhile, Governor and SVU Chancellor S. Abdul Nazeer, expressed delight on noting that SVU established many centres of excellence in frontier and emerging areas like micro and nano satellite technologies, earth science and atmospheric research, material science and nanotechnology, virus like particle technologies, herbal drug research, psychological and biological sciences, water resources management and bio-energy innovation. He also hailed SVU for getting the Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) status from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for imparting drone pilot training.The Chancellor later conferred honorary doctorates on Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Indian National Science Academy President Shekhar C. Mande and Bharat Biotech International Limited Executive Chairman Krishna M. Ella.Vice-Chancellor of SVU, Tata Narasinga Rao, in his annual report, recalled the 2,710 consultancy and industry assignments undertaken by the varsity, generating revenues up to ₹399 lakh and the collaborations signed with reputed institutions. Registrar M. Bhupathi Naidu also took part. Published - June 10, 2026 07:47 pm IST
