APRJC Nagarjuna Sagar Marks Golden Jubilee with Nostalgia and Pride

Tucked in the banks of the majestic Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, one of the world's largest masonry dams, the Andhra Pradesh Residential Junior College (APRJC) at Nagarjuna Sagar stands as a beacon of educational excellence. On December 13 and 14, 2025, this iconic institution celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since its founding in 1975. Alumni from across the globe gathered to honour a legacy that transformed countless lives from rural Andhra Pradesh into leaders in civil services, medicine, engineering, and beyond.

The two-day event, organized meticulously by former students under the banner of the "Sagar Pariwar," drew thousands of alumni for reunions filled with emotion, cultural performances, and heartfelt tributes. Over 115 faculty members – past and present – received felicitations, acknowledging their role in building an institution that once dominated academic rankings in the undivided Andhra Pradesh.

In the 1980s, when Intermediate results aired on All India Radio, listeners across the state eagerly awaited announcements from APRJC. The college routinely secured the top 15 ranks, making admission here the ultimate aspiration for talented students. Despite modest budgets and basic infrastructure, dedicated principals and faculty turned limitations into strengths.

Early leaders like KVS Ramakoti, P. Penchaliah, and Marri Srinivas Reddy laid unbreakable foundations. Under Marri Srinivas Reddy's disciplined guidance, APRJC carved its niche, instilling rigor and vision that propelled students to excellence in academics and competitive exams.

Faculty commitment knew no bounds. Teachers worked from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., often 24/7, supported by perks such as free accommodation, meals, and education for their children. This drew exceptional educators who mentored students toward unified goals. In an era before private coaching centers dominated, APRJC faculty prepared students for EAMCET and national entrances like IIT-JEE. Correspondence courses from Agarwal Classes or Brilliant Tutorials served as the main external aids, with affluent students sharing materials with peers.

The results spoke volumes: APRJC alumni excelled in entrances for IITs, Regional Engineering Colleges (RECs), BITS Pilani, and more. Hundreds joined the Indian Civil Services, Indian Foreign Service, state administrations, and specialized fields as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, and company secretaries.

After a period of relative quietude following Marri Srinivas Reddy's tenure, the institution regained prominence under Anji Reddy, a principal of extraordinary vision. After a 15-year gap in top ranks, Anji Reddy revived APRJC's dominance in Intermediate examinations. His era brought tremendous progress in academics and infrastructure.

Anji Reddy devoted himself fully, convincing successful alumni to fund developments. He pioneered transparent joint bank accounts for donations, ensuring proper monitoring and utilization. This approach worked wonders, transforming the campus with state-of-the-art buildings, labs, and facilities that APRJC boasts today.

At the Golden Jubilee, alumni from early batches erupted in applause upon seeing Anji Reddy on stage. Special honors went to him, reflecting his enduring influence and the devoted "Anji Reddy Fans Association" (ARFA) among former students.

The celebrations featured heartfelt felicitations for 115 faculty members by distinguished alumni, including M. Mahender Reddy (former DGP, Telangana), Ramesh Reddy (IG, Telangana), Dr. K. Venkatesan (IAS), diplomat Ch. Rajasekhar, APREI Society secretary V.N. Mastanaiah, current principal N. Sarojini, and renowned dentist Dr. Chandrakanth Rao.

Veterans from the golden era – such as T. Narasimha Rao (TNR), B. Jagannadha Rao (former principal), Ramalingam, Nagabhushana Sarma, Anji Reddy (former principal), Koti Reddy, and Dr. C. Vijaya Raghavachary, Bhaskar Rao (Commerce), Ramalinga Reddy (Math) and Parashuram – received recognition alongside current teachers and support staff, from office superintendents to cooks.

As the festivities concluded, a wave of optimism swept through attendees. The reunion rekindled memories of shared hardships and triumphs, reminding everyone of APRJC's power to nurture raw talent from rural backgrounds into national contributors.

With Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Human Resources Development, serving as chairman of the APREI Society, many express confidence in renewed support. The Golden Jubilee inspires belief that APRJC will reclaim its revered status, continuing to shape future generations.

In the words echoing across the campus: Jayaho! APRJC – a half-century of fire, faith, and unbreakable spirit.

(The writer was Lecturer, APRJC from 1981-86) Anji Reddy, Visionary Principal

Anji Reddy transformed APRJC Nagarjuna Sagar. He stands out as one of the institution's most impactful leaders. His tenure marked a remarkable revival, pulling the college from a period of academic dormancy and elevating it to new heights in both performance and facilities.

After a 15-year hiatus in securing top ranks in Intermediate examinations following the era of Principal Marri Srinivas Reddy, Anji Reddy stepped in and restored APRJC's dominance. Under his leadership, the college reclaimed premier positions in state rankings, demonstrating tremendous strides in academics. His disciplined approach, combined with relentless dedication—he often worked around the clock—reignited the spirit of excellence that defined the institution's early decades.

One of Anji Reddy's most groundbreaking innovations involved infrastructure development through alumni engagement. Facing limited government funding, he pioneered a transparent funding mechanism that built trust and unlocked generous contributions from successful former students. Instead of traditional appeals for donations, he established joint bank accounts shared between the college and alumni groups. This allowed donors to directly monitor fund allocation and expenditure, ensuring every rupee went toward tangible improvements.

This model proved transformative. Alumni, many occupying prominent positions in civil services, medicine, engineering, and business, responded enthusiastically. Their contributions funded modern buildings, advanced laboratories, enhanced hostels, and other essential facilities.

Today, APRJC boasts some of the finest infrastructure among residential colleges in Andhra Pradesh, a direct legacy of Anji Reddy's initiative.His approach fostered a sense of ownership among alumni, turning them into active partners in the college's progress. The result: a campus upgraded from modest beginnings to a state-of-the-art environment conducive to learning and growth.Anji Reddy's influence extended beyond administration. He cultivated a cult-like admiration, leading to the formation of the Anji Reddy Fans Association (ARFA) among former students. At the Golden Jubilee celebrations on December 13-14, 2025, early-batch alumni erupted in applause when he appeared on stage, honoring him with special felicitations for his enduring contributions.