Maharaja family revives tradition with annual scholarship to AU

Visakhapatnam: Andhra University celebrated the 156th birth anniversary of its former pro-chancellor, Maharaja Vikram Deo Varma, on Saturday. Vikram Deo, who belonged to the Jeypore Samsthanam, played a major role in the establishment of the 99-year-old university by donating close to two million rupees besides providing significant support to the university in its early years. Family members of Vikram Deo joined the celebrations on Saturday.Vishveshvar ChandraChud Dev, a family member of the Vikram Deo, said they would be providing an annual scholarship of Rs 1 lakh to students of AU science college. He met vice-chancellor, Prof GP Rajasekhar, in his office and handed over a cheque for the same. He said he would donate Rs 1 lakh to the university through his charitable trust every year, and requested that the amount be distributed as scholarships to students who excel in their studies at the science college."During the establishment of the College of Science and Technology at AU, Maharaja Vikram Deo donated Rs 1 lakh annually. He was deeply passionate about the education sector, particularly Andhra University. In a similar spirit, our charitable trust has now decided to contribute Rs 1 lakh to the university every year," said ChandraChud Dev.Meanwhile, Mayank Kumari Deo, wife of the late Shakti Vikram Deo — grandson of Vikram Deo — and her daughter, Latika Deo, also paid tributes to the Maharaja. "It was about honouring his visionary legacy, celebrating his contribution to education and heritage, and inspiring future generations," said Mayank Kumari.