Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Academic Block at VIT-AP University on April 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the institution's journey towards academic excellence and innovation. This new facility, touted as one of the largest academic blocks in India, stands at 45 meters tall and spans a remarkable 7.68 lakh square feet. It features state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, and a 700-seater auditorium.
During the inauguration ceremony, Naidu also opened new hostel blocks and launched the V-Launchpad 2025, a global innovation challenge aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and leadership among students and startups. This year's challenge, themed 'Sustainable Solutions for Swarnandhra @2047', has attracted 800 teams from prestigious institutions worldwide, including IITs, IIMs, and universities from the United States and Poland.
Naidu expressed pride in the VIT-AP's vision and infrastructure, highlighting its contribution to shaping Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for knowledge and innovation. He stated, "As part of the Swarnaandhra Roadmap 2047, we envision transforming Amaravati into a Quantum Valley, a global hub for advanced technology and innovation." This ambitious roadmap aims to boost the state's economy to $2.4 trillion and increase per capita income to Rs 58 lakh by 2047.
The Chief Minister praised the VIT Group Founder and Chancellor Dr. G Viswanathan for establishing VIT-AP University in Amaravati, which boasts an impressive 95 percent placement rate for its graduates. Naidu's visit to the campus signified a powerful milestone in the institution's remarkable journey towards becoming a global center of learning and innovation.
In addition to the academic block, Naidu participated in the 'V-Launchpad 2025 - Startup Expo', emphasizing the crucial role of youth in shaping the nation's future. He encouraged young people to seize government opportunities not only to secure jobs but also to aspire to build their own companies.
Naidu also announced that capital development works would be restarted on May 2, 2025, with the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to position Andhra Pradesh as a center for innovation, with Amaravati set to become a Quantum Valley, akin to Silicon Valley.
Reflecting on the history of VIT, Naidu recalled how Dr. Vishwanathan sought approval to set up the institute in Amaravati back in 2014, emphasizing the state's commitment to education and innovation. He reiterated the importance of entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, mentioning that renowned universities like VIT and SRM already have campuses in the capital.
Naidu's vision for Amaravati includes the establishment of a Ratan Tata Innovation Hub and a Quantum Valley, which he believes will drive technological and educational advancements in the region. He remarked on the contributions of the 29,000 farmers who provided land for Amaravati, assuring that the government would support them through various initiatives.
He also reflected on India's economic liberalization in 1991, a movement he played a significant role in, and now aims to build Amaravati into a thriving economic and innovation hub. Naidu envisions a 15 percent annual growth rate for the state and aims to achieve Swarnandhra by 2047, with a per capita income reaching Rs 55 lakh.
Furthermore, Naidu highlighted the need for balanced regional development, designating Visakhapatnam as the financial capital and Tirupati as the spiritual hub. The development of infrastructure, including a new airport and metro rail, along with significant investments like ArcelorMittal's Rs 1 lakh crore investment, is expected to propel economic growth across the state.
As Andhra Pradesh continues to forge ahead with its ambitious plans, the inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Academic Block and the launch of V-Launchpad 2025 represent crucial steps toward realizing the vision of a vibrant, innovative, and economically prosperous future.
