Krishna University

In pursuance of the recommendations of Knowledge Commission, Krishna University has been established vide Andhra Pradesh Act.No.4 off 1991, G.O’ Ms. No.89 Higher Education (U.E.II) dated 25/06/2008 and G.O Ms. No.109, Higher Education (U.E.II) department dated 14/07/2008, with the state government’s initiative at Machilipatnam, as head quarters of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. On 23/04/08, Honble Chief Minister Dr.Y Rajasekhar Reddy has laid the foundation stone for the University. A High power committee constituted by the Govt. of A.P has visited Machilipatnam on 16/04/2008 and identified 200 Acers of land at Tavisapudi village, 8 Kilometers from Machilipatnam town towards Manginapudi beach.

Prof: M K Durga Prasad, Professor in Zoology and Aquaculture, Acharya Nagarguna University was appointed as first Vice Chancellor of Krishna University, Machiliaptnam, vide G.O Ms. No.137 dated 28/07/2008 and took charge as Vice Chancellor on the fore noon of 28/07/2008. Dr. Y Kishore Director of Physical Education, Acharya Nagarjuna University was appointed as first Registrar of Krishna University and took charge on 23/08/2008.

Krishna University is named after mighty river Krishna. Krishna River, also called Krishnaveni is one of the longest rivers of India (about 1300 Kms in length). It originates from Mahabaleshwar in Maharasthra in the west and meets the Bay of Bengal at Hamsaladeevi, in Divi seema in Krishna district, in Andhra Pradesh, in East coast. The delta of the river is one of the most fertile regions in India and was the home to ancient Sathavahana and Ikshvaku kings. Vijayawada is the largest city on the river Krishna.

KRISHNA DISTRICT:

Krishna University largely caters to the higher educational needs of people in Krishna District in particular and Andhra Pradesh in general. Krishna district was one of the oldest British administered areas of Andhra Pradesh. It was formerly called Masulapatnam district, and in1859 when the then Guntur district was delinked, certain taluks, there of, were added to this, which was renamed as Krishna district, after the mighty river Krishna. This district is endowed with a rich variety of soils, and occupies an important place in agriculture. This district is also known for the availability of mineral sources like Chromite, Diamonds, Iron ore, Limestone, Mica and Sulphur. This district has a geographical area of 8727 Sq Mts with a population of around 42 lakhs. This District is endowed with one of the largest fresh water lakes called Kolleru Lake.

MACHILIPATNAM:

Krishna University is established in a great historic coastal town called Machilipatnam, which is the head quarters of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Machilipatnam is a city and a special grade municipality in Krishna district in Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The town existed since 3rd century BC (Sathavahana period), when it was known as ‘Maisolos’ (Ptolemy) and as ‘Masalia’ (Periplus). Flourishing sea trade was carried out from the Masula port. The port is located on the southeast or coramandal coast of India situated in the mouth of the river Krishna at the Bay of Bengal. Machilipatnam was a 17th century port for French, British and Dutch trade. It has a medium size fishing harbour, which can accommodate 350 fishing vessels and an active carpet- weaving industry. The other products from the town include rice, oil seeds, and scientific instruments. The town is a railway terminus and an important educational center.

Agriculture is the most important occupation, paddy being the main food crop produced. Machilipatnam has many small scale and cottage industries, fashion gold (also called Rolled Gold covering) ornaments are made here. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) a unit of union defense ministry of Government of India has a manufacturing unit here. BEL is involved in design, development and manufacture of sophisticated, state of the art electronic equipments used by Indian defense services and paramilitary organisations. Kalamkari fabrics of Machilipatnam are used in clothing and wall hangings. Kalmkari refers to dye-painted clothes and the techniques used to crate them. Kuchipudi a popular Indian classic dance form originated at Kuchipudi 25 Kms from Machilipatnam. Machilipatnam is a grate educational center offering all the academic courses except medicine. Life Insurance Corporation of India, one of the biggest service sector in life insurance is situated here. Earlier it is used to cater to the business of 7 districts spread of Srikakulam to Guntur.

A good number of famous freedom fighters hailed from this town. To name a few, Pingali Venkayya, the designer of Indian national flag, Dr.Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitha Ramayya, a freedom fighter and a historian if Indian national Congress and founder of Andhra Bank and Andhra Insurance Company, Raghupati Venkayya father of telugu cinema, Mutnuri Krishna Rao the founder of Krishna Patrica a literary magazine, Adavi Bapi Raju, a renowned writer and painter and Ayyagari Ramamurthy Patulu founder of Andhra Scientific Company which is now called Bharat Electronics Ltd.

ANDHRA JATEEYA KALASALA:

Krishna University is presently located at Andhra Jateeya kalasala, a famous first grade college in Machilipatnam. The university will function from the academic year 2008-09 in the academic blocks of A.J Kalasala Campus allotted for this purpose.