TIRUPATI: A research project on irrigation received a major boost with the participation of an alumnus, who turned out as a key financial contributor for the project. A research project on irrigation received a major boost with the participation of an alumnus, who turned out as a key financial contributor for the project.
Philanthropist V Venkatesh Babu, Non Resident Indian (NRI), donated $10,000 for research on latest methods and technological aspects imbibed by the scientists for farming in foreign countries. The research will be on Hydroponics at the science department of Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) where the said amount has been issued as a first phase of the donation.
An alumnus of Sri Venkateswara University (SVU), Venkatesh Babu owns Pennar Group, a company based in the US. “Over some time now, I got to know about the University’s integrated activities towards its research projects. As an alumnus of SVU, it feels great to be part of developmental activities of this renowned educational institution,’’ he said. He underlined that the scholars and students had opened up their opportunities by imbibing tremendous skills required for global excellence.
‘’There is a lot of scope for Indian minds to perform on global platform,’’ he said. Handing over the cheque of $10,000 to SVU vice chancellor A Damodaram, Babu further opined the knowledge about latest techniques followed by the developed countries in irrigation will be shared with the students here. ‘’Our responsibility will not end by lending a financial support but also by sharing the knowledge,’’ he maintained. He assured the concerned authority of the University that it will be given all details with day-to-day updates over the latest technology being used in farming.
Exhorting the students of Rayalaseema region to contribute their services to the local farmers here, he further said: ‘’Supporting the farmers of drought-prone region like Rayalaseema will prove the abilities of the scholars which acquire global level recognition if proved useful.’’ Speaking on the occasion, Damodaram said, there is need for the developing state like Andhra Pradesh to get support from NRI’s.
‘‘However, we cannot forget the active participation of the NRIs in giving funds for restructuring of the AP state,’’ he marked. SVU NRI dean Prof Sudarshanam and others were present.