Minister Lokesh seeks Pan-IIT community’s support for making Andhra Pradesh No. 1 State in the country

Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh sought the Pan-IIT community's support to make Andhra Pradesh the No. 1 state in the country. At a dinner meeting in Vijayawada, Lokesh collaborated with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on October 2, 2026. Lokesh highlighted Chandrababu Naidu's capabilities, stating that the Chief Minister was in his fourth term.

He noted that 50% of the current MLAs were first-time legislators, and 17 of the 25 ministers were serving for their first time. The Minister expressed determination and commitment from all working towards the state's development.

Lokesh invited the Pan-IIT community to provide their expertise and support, emphasizing that the state was creating opportunities in emerging sectors. The government aimed to lead India's transformation into a developed nation, with investments from both public and private sectors. Under the Indian School of Agriculture and Horticulture Mission, Andhra Pradesh was expected to attract nearly $10 billion in investments, aiming for global leadership in horticulture.

Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh's talent, intellectual strength, determination, and positive leadership, envisioning India as a developed nation within a decade.

He also showcased the government's plans for Amaravati, describing it as a world-class city that would make the country proud and attract global attention. Lokesh referred to the partnership between the Centre and the State as the "Naidu ji–Modi ji" combination, underscoring that the state's goal of becoming No. 1 required cooperation from experts, professionals, industry, and academic institutions.

The meeting was attended by Pan-IIT Chairman Prabhat Singh, Pan-IIT members, directors from IITs across the country, alumni, and industrialists.