Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy called for turning Osmania University into a world-class educational hub while inaugurating the national-level NIRMAAN-26 symposium at the University College of Engineering on Thursday.
Calling the university Telangana’s pride, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the institution carried a glorious academic legacy. Therefore, he urged students, faculty and stakeholders to work together to place the university among India’s top institutions and on the global academic map.
The minister also praised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for sanctioning Rs.1,000 crore for the university’s development. According to him, the allocation marked the largest funding support in Osmania University’s history. Moreover, the government intended the funding to strengthen infrastructure and improve academic standards.
Addressing the gathering of students and faculty, Uttam also spoke about discipline and ambition in public life. Drawing from his earlier career as an Indian Air Force fighter pilot, he highlighted the value of commitment and institutional excellence.
NIRMAAN-26 symposium and Osmania legacy
Speaking about the university’s past, Uttam Kumar Reddy said Osmania University had a strong historical foundation. The Nizam established the university in 1917. Meanwhile, the engineering college began operations in 1929 and remains the sixth oldest engineering college in India.
The minister also highlighted distinguished alumni to underline the institution’s influence. Among them were Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha and former Indian cricketer Arshad Ayub.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor raised concerns about faculty shortages during the interaction. In response, Uttam Kumar Reddy said he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister. He assured the gathering that the government would address vacant teaching posts.
Such measures, he noted, would help strengthen the academic workforce. As a result, the university could improve teaching quality and institutional performance.
NIRMAAN-26 symposium highlights engineering focus
The NIRMAAN-26 symposium also gave Uttam an opportunity to highlight Telangana’s engineering achievements. For instance, he referred to major irrigation structures built across the region. These included Nizam Sagar Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam. In addition, he cited modern projects such as the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Srisailam Left Bank Canal.
While addressing students, the minister urged them to use their academic years effectively. According to him, civil engineering involves more than constructing buildings or physical infrastructure. Instead, the discipline plays a crucial role in shaping society.
Students, he said, must combine academic excellence with innovation and sustainability. Such an approach would strengthen both the engineering profession and public development. Moreover, technical education should produce engineers capable of addressing current challenges and future needs.
Through the NIRMAAN-26 symposium, Uttam Kumar Reddy linked Osmania University’s historic legacy with its future ambitions. At the same time, he reiterated government support for infrastructure growth and promised to pursue the issue of faculty vacancies.