Vizag News Online : Mrs. A.V.N. College stands as a prominent institution, recognized for its vital contribution to the educational and cultural landscape of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This esteemed college, now over 140 years old, has produced a wealth of accomplished alumni, a feat achieved by few in the country.
Among its illustrious graduates is the renowned Nobel Laureate Sir C.V. Raman, who studied here. In honor of his legacy, a bronze bust of Sir C.V. Raman was unveiled on April 4, 1991, by Sri V.P. Rama Rao, IAS, Former Chief Secretary.
Other notable alumni include Sonthi Ramamurthi, ICS, Sri B.S. Sarma, a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council in the 1920s, Sri Vepa Ramesam, a judge of the Madras High Court, Padma Bhushan Dwaram Venkata Swami Naidu, Sri Tenneti Viswanadham, Prof. B. Rama Chandra Rao, a former Vice Chairman of the UGC, Sri S.V. Rangarow, Alluri Seetharama Raju, Dr. M. Gopala Krishna Reddy, former Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, and Padma Vibhushan Prof. C.R. Rao.
Founded in 1860 as a small school, the institution expanded over time, largely due to the generous support of local benefactors, especially the zamindars. It was elevated to a high school in 1886 under the leadership of a European headmaster, Mr. E. Winckler, who later became the first principal when the school was granted college status in 1878, under the name Hindu College.
His successors, including H.H. Anderson, R.S. Sheppard, W. Ramaiah, and P.T. Srinivasa Iyengar, helped solidify the institution’s reputation, though financial difficulties persisted.
A turning point came in 1892 when Ankitam Venkata Narsinga Row, a distinguished landlord, made a substantial endowment.
He donated Rs. 1 lakh, an 11-acre site, and a large building, along with a building grant of Rs. 15,000, in memory of his late wife. This generous contribution not only ensured the college’s financial stability but also led to its renaming as Mrs. A.V.N. College, in her honor.