VIJAYAWADA: Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) College, Gudivada, one of the finest educational institutions in the State, is gearing up for a historic Diamond Jubilee Celebration marking 75 years. The three-day event, beginning on December 16, is expected to draw thousands of members of the college fraternity, who will take part in vibrant festivities celebrating a journey filled with nostalgia, pride, and inspiration.
As the institution marks this significant milestone, it is fitting to recall its inspiring origins, rich legacy, and the philanthropists whose vision and generosity shaped its remarkable growth. The foundation for the college was laid in 1950, when a group of progressive and innovative farmers — Parvathaneni Venkataratnam, Kaja Venkatramaiah, Upadrasta Papanna Sastry, Vadde Sobhanadri, and Lingam Venkata Krishnayya — supported by Vemulapalli Rama Brahmam and U. Veerabhadra Rao, decided to establish an educational institution in the region. Initially started as Gudivada College, their dream soon gained support as farmers from nearly 200 villages donated generously. Notably, Bhushanagulla and Pedaparupudi villages contributed 15 acres of land and Rs 1 lakh for the college’s construction.
In 1959, construction began at the present location but soon came to a halt due to financial constraints. At this critical juncture, Kaja Venkatramaiah, who had strong connections with the film industry, approached legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) for support. Deeply moved by the cause, ANR contributed Rs1 lakh and encouraged several film personalities to donate. In recognition of his generosity, the college committee renamed the institution ANR College.
It is said that ANR, who earned about Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 per film at the time, donated an amount equivalent to nearly 12 films’ remuneration — a truly extraordinary act of charity. He frequently visited the campus and continued to extend support whenever needed.
“ANR College opened doors to education, opportunity, and transformation, changing countless lives,” said Diamond Jubilee Organising Committee Chairman Kolli Srinivasa Rao; ANR College Management Committee Chairman and grandson of the founders, Kaja Venkatramaiah and Lingam Venkata Krishnayya, LRK Prasad; and organising member Upadrasta Ramaswamy Sastry.
The college expanded from 14 acres to 27 acres, strengthening its infrastructure and academic offerings. Starting with BA, B.Com, and B.Sc, it gradually introduced Intermediate, M.Sc (Chemistry and Mathematics), M.Com, B.Ed, MBA, and several other programmes. This academic year, the college launched B.Tech, while Nursing and Pharmacy programmes are in the pipeline, with a long-term vision of achieving Deemed-to-be-University status.
As the institution grew, strong academic leadership played a pivotal role. Principal AS Tyagaraju, followed by Dr Y Venkateswarlu, contributed significantly to shaping the college’s academic reputation, infrastructure, and student culture. Their dedication helped the college become a respected centre of learning.
Since its inception, nearly 2.5 lakh students have pursued their education at ANR College. Around 970 alumni are now settled abroad in countries such as the USA, Australia, and the UK. Many distinguished personalities, including MPs, IAS and IPS officers, doctors, and professionals from various fields, have studied here.
