Cultures converge as Andhra University marks its centenary

As Andhra University approaches its 100th Foundation Day on April 26, 2026, the centenary celebrations are unfolding as more than just an academic commemoration. They are emerging as a vibrant showcase of diverse cultures, traditions, cuisines, and languages. The festivities highlight the university’s long-standing international relations, reaffirming its role as a hub where local heritage meets global exchange.

“At present, Andhra University has around 1,150 international students from 57 countries. This is among the highest in India, with students enrolled across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes,” says Prof. S. Paul Douglas, Dean International Affairs of AU.

The presence of international students at Andhra University is not new. For decades, the university has attracted students from Asia and Africa through its academic reputation and scholarship programmes, particularly those administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). However, a more formalised structure emerged with the establishment of the Office of International Affairs in the late 1990s. This helped streamline admissions, student services, and institutional collaborations.

“The scale is not incidental but the result of sustained engagement across regions. This year, the largest number of students is from Bangladesh, with over 150. A significant share of our international students also comes from African countries, with representation from across the continent,” says Prof. Douglas.

What distinguishes this cohort is not only its diversity but its continuity. “Many students stay for extended periods. Some have been here for seven to ten years, completing their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies,” Prof. Douglas observes. In disciplinary terms, engineering remains the principal draw, while doctoral enrolment is concentrated in the sciences.

For Abeedullah Aabede from Afghanistan, a doctoral scholar in the Department of Law, the centenary carries both symbolic and personal resonance. “As an international student and a member of the university community, I am proud to be part of this celebration. Campus life has been thoroughly enjoyable for me so far,” he says.

Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.P. Raja Sekhar, along with the faculty and international students, at the International Students’ Feast Fest.
| Photo Credit:
V. RAJU

Food, music, and dance

International participation in the centenary has been highlighted through cultural practices, with food in particular emerging as a point of connection.

“The moment any foreign student arrives in India, within 24 to 48 hours they tell us, ‘We ate your biryani,’” Prof. Douglas observes. This highlights the immediacy with which culinary exchange begins. Building on this shared vocabulary, the university organised a food festival on March 22 at the AU Convention Centre, bringing together participants from nearly 40 countries.

“Around 40 countries participated, each preparing food for nearly 100 people. We served approximately 4,000 plates from international participants and another 2,000 from the Department of Food Science and Technology,” he says. The scale of the event was both logistical and symbolic. “We sold about 5,000 coupons,” he adds, with each plate priced at ₹50 to ensure accessibility.

The menu spanned diverse geographies, ranging from Afghan Kabuli pulao—rich with dried fruits and meat—to dishes from West Asia, Southeast Asia, and several African cuisines. Vegetarian offerings from countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia were also included. For many visitors, the spread provided not only variety but also novel combinations of flavour and technique.

For Anette from Ghana, a second-year B. Pharmacy student, the event offered an opportunity to present a sense of home. “We prepared our traditional dishes—banku, made from corn starch and served with okra soup, and waakye, a rice and beans dish,” she says.

If the food festival provided an entry point, the cultural programme held on March 26 extended that engagement through performance and narrative. Students introduced their countries with short presentations, followed by music and dance.

“The event ran for over five hours, featuring music, dance, and visual presentations,” says Prof. Douglas, adding, “Within a few minutes, one could understand the country’s culture and traditions.” The format required careful time management. “We had to curtail some performances because of time constraints. We are planning another cultural event to accommodate fuller presentations,” the Professor says

Before the performances began, the students presented a brief introduction to their countries, highlighting culture, economy, and tradition. “It was very educational. In just five minutes, one could understand a country in a way that is otherwise not possible,” he says.

Beyond the centenary calendar, international students have extended their participation to other events. Purnata Chakrobarty Disha, a B. Tech student in Computer Science from Bangladesh, says, “Along with my team, we performed at the cultural fest recently, and now we are preparing a Bharatanatyam fusion performance for the Shatabdi Mahotsav.”

Global exposure

The celebrations have brought global engagements back into focus, as exposure to a diverse student body has expanded institutional horizons. “These interactions have opened our perspective. We are now actively pursuing collaborations with international universities, including joint programmes and exchange initiatives,” says Prof. Douglas.

Existing partnerships include institutions in Sweden and Australia, with additional agreements currently under negotiation. “Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. P. Rajasekhar has set a goal of initiating up to 100 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or letters of intent with institutions worldwide,” he says, adding that the centenary is being used as an opportunity to strengthen these efforts.

Bangladeshi students rehearse a Bharatanatyam fusion dance at the AU International Hostel in MVP Colony ahead of the Andhra University centenary celebrations.
| Photo Credit:
PAUL NICODEMUS

Enriched lifestyle

As mentioned earlier, a significant proportion of international students at Andhra University are supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). “ICCR-sponsored students receive fellowships ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 per month, along with housing support. Their tuition fees and air travel are also covered,” he says.

The regulatory framework is structured. “Students must report to the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) Visakhapatnam City office within 48 hours of arrival and are periodically monitored thereafter by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he says.

Recent coordination between the local authorities has addressed some of these issues. Following an initiative led by Visakhapatnam Commissioner of Police Shankha Brata Bagchi, a mechanism has been put in place to ease access to essential services.

The professor further mentions that plans are also under consideration to construct two additional hostels for international students, one each for men and women, within the campus. “The objective is to improve living standards through enhanced facilities, including individual rooms and kitchen spaces,” he says.

City of destiny

University’s initiatives, coupled with various formal events, shaped the experience of living in Visakhapatnam for many international students. “Students prefer Visakhapatnam over metro cities because it is peaceful and safe,” says Prof. Douglas. “They do not face the kind of exploitation sometimes seen in larger cities.” The perception of safety extends to independent living arrangements.

“There is no compulsion for students to stay in hostels. Many now live independently in rented apartments, often sharing accommodation and using their housing allowance,” he says. “Even women students living independently report feeling secure and supported by local communities.”

For Lusia Ndateleela Kanhalelo from Namibia, a Master of Education student, the transition has been gradual. “When I first arrived, I was unsure about the food and culture. Now, it feels as though I belong here. My department has been supportive, and I have learnt a great deal through seminars and international conferences,” she says.

Students from Yemen echo similar sentiments. Mohammed Alhaddad, an M. Pharmacy student, and Ahmed Ghaleb, pursuing M. Sc. Biotechnology, describe Visakhapatnam as a place that “now feels like home”. They add that participation in the centenary celebrations “will remain a lasting memory”.

For Srishti Sikder, a Master’s student in Journalism and Mass Communication from Bangladesh, the experience has been transformative. “I was initially apprehensive about moving to a new country, but it has turned out well. Hostel life, faculty support, and interactions with students from different countries, along with the centenary celebrations, have given us opportunities to engage more deeply,” she says.

For many international students, the centenary is not simply an institutional milestone, but a shared moment of participation and belonging, one that extends beyond borders and into the University’s next century.