In what is being described as the height of nepotism and favouritism at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, the university authorities allegedly chose to confer an honorary doctorate on an NRI reportedly because he is a close relative of Visakhapatnam MP M. Sri Bharat.
The controversy centres around Dr Saggurthi Poornachandra Rao, a US-based banking professional, who was conferred the honorary doctorate during the university’s recent convocation.
What has raised further eyebrows is that he was also invited as the chief guest for the event.
Sources said Poornachandra Rao had reportedly travelled from the United States to offer condolences to the family of his relative and former parliamentarian Kavuri Sambasiva Rao, who passed away recently.
During this visit, he was allegedly invited to receive the honorary degree and was also made the chief guest at the convocation.
Poornachandra Rao is said to be the son-in-law of late Koneru Ramakrishna Rao, who served as the honorary chancellor of GITAM University until his death. He is believed to be settled in the US and employed in a senior position at Bank of America.
Sources alleged that Poornachandra Rao’s proximity to the family of Visakhapatnam MP Sri Bharat, who is associated with GITAM, played a role in his selection. They further claimed that his family had links to donations made to GITAM University.
A key point of contention is the alleged lack of transparency in the selection process. It is learnt that Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G. P. Rajasekhar, who is perceived to have pro-Telugu Desam Party leanings, kept the decision confidential until the very last minute.
“Traditionally, the university’s Executive Council discusses the convocation date and chief guest well in advance, usually around two months before the event. However, Poornachandra Rao was chosen without such a discussion or a formal meeting of the Executive Council,” a university professor said.
The development has also reportedly caused discontent among sections of the university’s alumni, who lament that the prestige of the century-old institution has been diluted.
They point out that Andhra University had in the past conferred honorary doctorates on globally respected personalities such as the Dalai Lama, and feel that the latest choice has diminished the stature of the award.
Further criticism reportedly arose over remarks attributed to Poornachandra Rao during the event.
According to those present, he is said to have compared Bank of America with Indian banks and remarked that even if State Bank of India and HDFC Bank were combined, they would still be significantly smaller.
These comments reportedly did not go down well with sections of the audience, who viewed them as dismissive of Indian banking institutions.
The issue has also fuelled speculation over the absence of the customary alumni gathering, which is usually held the day after the convocation.
Sources said several prominent alumni stayed away due to dissatisfaction with the functioning of the vice-chancellor, and that the alumni event was not held this time.