Premier educational institution REVA University hosted \u2018Founder\u2019s Day\u2019 at the REVA University campus on January 6, 2026. The annual event was held on the occasion of the birthday of Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University.<\/p>\n
Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major, Former Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force; Nirupama Menon Rao, Indian Diplomat, Former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador and Jayasudha, Indian Actress, were honoured with the prestigious REVA Lifetime Achievement Award.
\nAir Chief Marshal Fali H. Major, former Chief of the Air Staff, receives the REVA Lifetime Achievement Award from Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, at REVA University Founder\u2019s Day, Jan 6, 2026
\nAddressing the gathering during the celebrations held on campus, Dr. P. Shyama Raju reflected on his inspiring journey – from growing up in a small village in Andhra Pradesh to founding REVA University. He shared how Founder\u2019s Day has evolved into a meaningful annual tradition that celebrates excellence and service.
\n\u201cFounder\u2019s Day at REVA University is a cherished occasion for the entire REVA family. Each year, we honour eminent personalities from diverse fields, recognising their outstanding contributions to society. The REVA Lifetime Achievement Award is our way of expressing gratitude to individuals whose lives and work continue to inspire generations,\u201d he said.
\nSpeaking about the values that have guided him through his journey, Dr. Raju emphasised, \u201cEthics, discipline, hard work, respect for elders, and the courage to face challenges are what truly sustain me. These are the qualities students must imbibe, and to me, this is the true essence of education.\u201d
\nSpeaking after receiving the award, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major expressed his heartfelt gratitude and reflected on the principles that shaped his distinguished career. He said that everything he had achieved stemmed from professionalism, unwavering commitment, and consistent hard work. Emphasising leadership, he noted that true vision is rooted in courage, commitment, and perseverance.
\nHe also highlighted three core lessons everyone should strive to emulate in life. The first, he said, is discipline – never a limitation, but a source of freedom. The second is integrity, which he described as non-negotiable. The third lesson, he emphasised, is the importance of making a positive difference through one\u2019s work. \u201cInnovate, strive for excellence, stay grounded, and always give back to the nation,\u201d he urged.
\nSpeaking after receiving the award, Nirupama Menon Rao observed that universities are never created by accident. She described them as temples of learning – acts of collective belief that education must shape not only professional ambition, but also a deep sense of responsibility. She also said that learning was considered as pilgrimage not merely transactional.
\nReflecting on the contemporary moment, she noted that we live in an age marked by anxiety about leadership, making thoughtful leadership more vital than ever. Drawing from her years in public service, she said, \u201cI have learnt that leadership is quieter than we imagine. It is far more demanding. Leadership is not about dominating a room, but about holding it – listening carefully, reading context, understanding complexities, and knowing when restraint is wiser than action.\u201d
\nSpeaking candidly about her journey as a woman leader, she addressed the realities of breaking glass ceilings and navigating power structures. \u201cFor most women, the path is linear and involves constant negotiation with expectations and invisible rules – often even before entering the space,\u201d she said. \u201cYet women persist not because we seek exception or indulgence, but because society cannot afford to waste talent.\u201d
\nShe emphasised that sidelining women in leadership is not merely unjust, but ineffective. She concluded by noting that what women bring to leadership is not softness or sentimentality, but depth – an acute sensitivity to consequences and a clear understanding that power always has human costs.
\nIn her acceptance speech, Jayasudha said she was deeply honoured to receive the award alongside other eminent personalities. Reflecting on her journey in cinema, she noted that every film she acted in reminded her of the responsibility she owed to her audience and well-wishers.
\nShe added that the moment reaffirmed her belief that true excellence is rooted in integrity, perseverance, and unwavering commitment.
\nAs part of its Founder\u2019s Day celebrations, REVA University unveiled RIA –\u00a0the REVA Intelligent Assistant, an AI-powered humanoid developed in-house by REVA students and faculty, marking a significant milestone in the university\u2019s innovation-led academic journey.
\nThe humanoid was unveiled by the Chancellor in the presence of industry leaders, senior leadership, faculty, students, parents, and guests. Designed as a smart campus assistant, RIA will welcome visitors, answer queries on academics, admissions, and facilities, provide digital campus navigation, and share QR codes for routes and information downloads, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
\nThe Founder\u2019s Day Event held at the REVA University campus, was presided over by Chancellor Dr. P. Shyama Raju. The occasion was also graced by Umesh S. Raju, Pro Chancellor; Dr. Sanjay R. Chitnis, Vice Chancellor; and Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar, family members, trustees, faculty and his well-wishers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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