NAIDU THINKS WITH PAN-IITANS

Lalita Iyer Musings

I have only great memories with the erstwhile CM of the erstwhile AP. I learnt about political shenanigans on the job with some of the best. And I carry this flame with me, in spite of the continuous negativity against Naidu, especially in his home state.

While I will keep my fond personal memories close to my heart, it is definitely clear that Naidu is a far-thinking man and thinks bigger than local. 

It was just an one day event, though the previous night was dinner hosted by Naidu. He spent close to two hours on day one, meeting everyone patiently, posing for a group photo. His son Nara Lokesh was equally amenable and has matured, with the ability to listen and then share his thoughts most comprehensively, with a tinge of humour.  On 3rd October, the day of the conclave where there were panel discussions and round tables, Naidu spent a longer time, with each panel and each round table listening to their recommendations.

This one-day conclave held in Amaravati, the still-being-built-capital-city of Andhra Pradesh was at the behest of the TDP government.

I, for one felt happy that finally a government thought of seeking ideas from an alum of an institute, earlier considered as the housing of the brainiest in the country. This was way before coaching classes happened, reservation happened, when students got admission by sheer dirth of their hard work and brain power. USA realised it way back then and half the brain power and think tank is now living a retired life there, wearing shorts if it's summer or ensconsed in woollens if it is snowing.

This was an All Boys Club. Out of the 100s who attended there were only five women who spoke about what they were doing. Maybe the many other women IITans were busy. This is the 75th year of IIT existence and 20 years of Pan IIT's existence. There are a total of 23 IITs in the country and IIT Tirupathi will be the first IIT to have a B Tech in AI and semi- conductors.

More than appreciating the pan-IITans I am impressed with Naidu and his government for holding this conclave.  When it was was time for the group photo, everyone surged forth to the stepped dais that had been built. A few of us stray ones and all the police and security gentry stood around while the photos were clicked.

I had a separate place card with my name and Senior Journalist written underneath, at the dinner table. My name was also on the list at the entrance. I mention that only because there were a few IIT alum who were not allowed, though they showed ID cards and such because it was not on the list. I was invited as Murali's wife, who is from IIT Madras. He and so many more had been invited for the pan-IIT Conclave, 2026 hosted by the AP government. 

(Incidentally my MIL asked for a discount even at the IIT, is now a legend).

– Lalita Iyer 

  Senior Journalist