VIJAYAWADA: In an effort to relieve students from academic stress and improve their personality, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT) Nuzvid campus is conducting various extra-curricular activities like classical music, Kuchipudi classes and yoga sessions.
These classes are conducted as part of the Extra Academic Activity (EAA) which is mandatory for all first year students. Interested students can pursue EAA classes even after first year. Classes are being conducted in performing arts like vocal music, Kuchipudi dance, mridangam and yoga.
“Yella Venkateswara Rao, a Padmasri awardee, is the coordinator for Extra Academic Activities for all the three RGUKTs. The main aim of these classes is to relieve stress from students who face a lot of pressure due to hectic academic activity. If we do not give them an opportunity to engage themselves in extra-curricular activities, they will not develop into wholesome individuals and this ultimately affect their careers,” explained RGUKT Nuzvid campus director Ibrahim Khan. Though students are encouraged to participate in activities like NCC and sports, performing arts courses provide a relief to creative students besides helping them to earn a certificate.
“Most of the students come from rural and under-privileged backgrounds. As such, they have passion to excel in whatever field they select or course they pursue. Though EAA is mandatory only for first year students, most of them continue to attend classes in the subsequent years as they are determined to succeed. Many have received certificates in performing arts while simultaneously excelling in studies,” explained academic consultant Mangalagiri Sridhar who trains students in Mridangam course. While there are about 1,000 students on the campus, the RGUKT is recruiting more trainers in these subjects.
“Though I am interested in music from childhood, I did not get any opportunity to pursue it as ours is a small village. I made the most of the opportunity when I had an opportunity to learn mridangam at RGUKT Nuzvid campus. I have even obtained a certificate in it. Music classes were refreshing and helped us focus on studies,” said K Jagadish, who belongs to Vegivada of West Godavari district who got placed in TCS after graduating in 2014. As he is ready to join TCS Bangalore campus soon, he is also elated about receiving not just B.Tech degree but also the certificate in performing arts during convocation to be held in August.