Oxford [United Kingdom], August 21 : Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy arrived at the historic University of Oxford, one of the world's oldest universities, which has a history spanning nearly 900 years.
According to the Telangana CMO, the Chief Minister's delegation visited the Blavatnik School of Government, one of the youngest institutions within the Oxford University umbrella. Professors Maya Tudor and Faisal Devji met the delegation, including K Ramakrishna Rao and others, at the campus.
Discussions between the delegation and the Oxford faculty have commenced, with the interaction focusing on issues of governance, public policy and related areas.
Incidentally, former Prime Minister, the late Indira Gandhi, was also associated with Oxford as a student, adding a historical connection to the visit, the CMO stated.
According to the Telangana CMO, he will also hold meetings with representatives from Cambridge, the London School of Economics, the London Business School, and the University of London.
During this visit, he will meet with prominent sports organisations and leaders in the skill development sector in the United Kingdom to formally finalise partnerships with Telangana.
"It is my resolve and endeavour to transform Hyderabad into one of the world's top-tier cities. An ordinary Indian should be able to receive education and certification from world-class institutions--such as Harvard, Oxford, MIT, LBS, or LSE--right here in Hyderabad. While many leaders have aspired to send their children abroad, I wish to bring the world's best educational institutions to India," the Chief Minister stated.
After his visit to the US was cancelled by the Ministry of External Affairs, Revanth Reddy will now return to Hyderabad from London on August 23 instead of travelling to Boston.
Responding to the Centre's decision, the Chief Minister stated, "There was only one objective behind this visit: to bring world-renowned educational institutions to India, Telangana, and Hyderabad as part of the New Education Policy introduced by the Centre. These institutions would have fulfilled the aspirations of our youth to gain education, skills, and training from top-tier Ivy League universities and the world's leading educational establishments."
"I have always believed that when it comes to nation-building and the future of our youth, everyone should think beyond politics and elections," he added.
The MEA had clarified that his visit was not considered appropriate "to the office held and the purpose of the visit", and therefore political clearance was not granted.