HRD Minister Nara Lokesh looking at the ‘Dream Wall’ where students expressed their life goals at an event at Undavalli on Tuesday. PHoto: Special Arrangement
Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday complimented the State-level toppers from Government Junior Colleges in the Intermediate Public Examination-2025 ‘for upholding the dignity of public education’.
Addressing 52 students who emerged as State-level toppers from government junior colleges, and their parents at a programme ‘Shining Stars-2025’ at Undavalli, the Minister said, “You all have shattered the stereotype that students from government colleges cannot score high marks”.
The young achievers were awarded gold medals and gifted laptops at the event.
Mr. Lokesh said the government was keen on upgrading the government schools and colleges to enable the students studying there to compete with their peers in private institutions. “The government is trying to ensure that poverty does not become a barrier to education,” he said.
He pointed out that the re-introduction of the midday meal scheme in government junior colleges was aimed at encouraging students from economically backward sections to continue their education.
Sharing his own story, Mr. Lokesh said though during his initial student days, he was playful, he took his 10th Class exams seriously, worked hard in Intermediate, pursued an MBA course from Stanford and worked at the World Bank.
The Minister pointed out that girls outnumbered boys among the toppers and said in a lighter vein, “In studies and business, Brahmani (his wife) is better than me”.
He said the government would support the students through reimbursement and by finding alternatives even for their studies abroad.
Mr. Lokesh said students should not forget the sacrifices their parents make to see them succeed in life.
He said after Intermediate, students should choose a field that interests them. “IT is not the only career path. Students have diverse options. Today, the government has approved a solar cell manufacturing company. Solar energy plants are coming up in Nellore and Anakapalli. Reliance company has set up a compressed biogas plant in Kanigiri. Choose the sector that aligns with the changing times,” he said.
Stating that the government schools and colleges would be developed further, Mr. Lokesh said the government was taking seriously the suggestions that uniforms should be provided to Intermediate students.
The HRD Minister said instead of being job seekers, students should aim to become job creators. “No matter how high you rise, always stay grounded. Congratulations on your achievement, I am truly proud of you,” he said.
Published – April 16, 2025 03:50 am IST
