Former CJI N.V. Ramana said Amaravati embodies the spirit of a new Andhra Pradesh, rooted in heritage and progress. He praised the farmers’ courage and reaffirmed faith in democracy and the rule of law.
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana said that Amaravati represents the dreams and aspirations of a new Andhra Pradesh — a State that stays true to its culture while moving towards progress. He was speaking at the fifth convocation ceremony of VIT-AP University, which was held on Andhra Pradesh Formation Day.
Justice Ramana reflected on the long and proud legacy of the region — from ancient Buddhist scholars to today’s modern innovators. He paid tribute to great leaders from Andhra Pradesh who played key roles in shaping modern Andhra and contributing to the creation of linguistic States.
He said their struggles proved the importance of language and cultural identity in building a strong society.
Sharing his personal connection with the land, Justice Ramana recalled his early years in Amaravati and spoke emotionally about how much it means to him.
He said,
“The soil, air, and water of Amaravati had shaped me as a student, a leader, and a lawyer,”
Remembering his childhood by the Krishna river, he added,
“Whatever happens on this soil affects me deeply. Amaravati continues to inspire me.”
He praised the farmers of Amaravati for their courage and patience during their long protest against the change of the State capital.
Calling it the longest farmers’ protest in southern India since Independence, he said he deeply admired their
“courage, patience, and faith in the judicial system and democratic process.”
Justice Ramana said that the farmers’ struggle reaffirmed the constitutional right to peaceful dissent, which is an essential part of democracy.
Speaking about challenges he faced in his life, the former CJI recalled how his own family had been targeted and false cases were filed against them during difficult times.
He pointed out that even judges who stood by the Constitution faced pressure.
He said,
“Institutions are tested in crisis, not in comfort,”
Emphasising the importance of an independent judiciary, he observed,
“Governments may change, but the courts and the rule of law remain the anchors of stability.”
He further stated,
“The rule of law survives only when people preserve public trust and refuse to surrender integrity for convenience.”
In his message to the younger generation, Justice Ramana urged them not to lose hope even in testing times.
He said,
“You will inherit a world that punishes sincerity and rewards silence, but the true power of democracy lies in the moral stamina of its citizens.”
At the same event, Senior Director of Samsung Electronics, Bengaluru, Rajeev Verma, encouraged students to keep learning and evolving in today’s fast-changing world.
He said,
“The skills and values you have imbibed on this campus will empower you to face global challenges with confidence,”
VIT Founder and Chancellor G. Viswanathan congratulated the graduating students and expressed pride in their accomplishments. He reaffirmed the university’s mission of nurturing young talent and promoting excellence.
In total, 3,117 students received their degrees during the convocation ceremony. Among them, 28 students were awarded gold medals and 126 students achieved ranks.
The degrees conferred included: Ph.D. (114), M.Tech (5-year Integrated Software Engineering) (72), B.Tech in Computer Science and other specialisations (2,483), M.Tech (VLSI) (15), B.Tech in Electronics and Communication (180), B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (43), BBA (77), B.Com (5), B.Sc (Data Science) (22), M.Sc (Chemistry) (8), M.Sc (Data Science) (56), B.A. LL.B (Hons.) (13), BBA LL.B (Hons.) (14), and B.A. (15).
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including VIT Vice-Presidents Sankar Viswanathan and G.V. Selvam, Vice-Chancellor S.V. Kota Reddy, Registrar M. Jagadish Chandra, Dean (Academics) N. Madhusudhan Rao, Deputy Director of Student Welfare Khadeer Pasha, along with deans, faculty members, staff, and proud parents.
Justice Ramana’s heartfelt words left a deep impression on the gathering, reminding everyone that Amaravati is not just a place of heritage but also a symbol of Andhra Pradesh’s resilience, democracy, and hope for the future.
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