The University of Hyderabad has been fortunate to have had several illustrious leaders who have shaped its growth and development. Among them, Prof. Bhadriraju Krishnamurti, the third Vice-Chancellor of the University, left an indelible mark on the institution. His contributions to education, linguistics, and social responsibility have had a lasting impact on the University and beyond.
Born on 19th June 1928 in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, Prof. Krishnamurti went on to become a renowned linguist and scholar, specializing in Dravidian languages. He earned his Ph.D. at University of Pennsylvania (1957) working under the supervision of the iconic Dravidian linguist Professor M. B. Emeneau. Professor Krishnamurti’s academic journey took him to several institutions, including Andhra University, the University of California, Berkeley, and Osmania University.
Prof. Krishnamurti founded the Department of Linguistics at Osmania University, where he served as a professor from 1962 to 1986. In 1962, at the age of 34, he was one of the youngest Indians to occupy a chair professorship in an Indian University, when he became the Tagore Professor of Linguistics at Osmania University. His magnum opus, “The Dravidian Languages,” is considered a landmark volume in the study of Dravidian linguistics. He also held several administrative positions, including Dean, Faculty of Arts, and Director, Southern Regional Centre, Indian Council of Social Science Research.
Prof. Krishnamurti served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad from 1986 to 1993. During his tenure, he implemented several innovative initiatives that transformed the University’s academic landscape. He introduced new interdisciplinary programs, fostered collaboration between departments, and promoted a culture of innovation. In 1987, he established the Sarojini Naidu School of Perfoming Arts, Fine Arts and Communication and the Centre for Applied Linguistics and the Centre for Translation Studies, in the School of Humanities.
Under his leadership, the University witnessed significant infrastructure development, including the construction of new buildings (e.g. the School of Social Sciences) , laboratories, and facilities. Some of the then modern infrastructural facilities which were enthusiastically supported by him include EPABX for telephonic connectivity, Raman Auditorium, Computer Centre with multiple work stations and a PARAM computer in the Science Complex, and the institutional email (uohyd.ernet.in) and Fax machine. With the shifting of the School of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences from the Golden Threshold all the schools with the exception of S.N. School started functioning from the Gachhibowli campus.
He also initiated several outreach programs, fostering partnerships with local organizations, industries, and government agencies. During his tenure four convocations (II-V Convocation) were held. In the IV Convocation (13th March 1991) Sir Andrew Huxley (Nobel Laureate), Justice M. Hidayatullah (Vice President of India), Professor C.N.R. Rao, Professor C.R. Rao, and in the V Convocation (22nd April 1993) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Scientific Advisor to Ministry of Defence), and Professor Sarvapalli Gopal were conferred the honorary degrees. The memorable special event of the celebrations of the 15 Years of the University of Hyderabad was graced by Shri Arjun Singh, MHRD, Professor Yashpal, UGC, and Professor Gurubaksh Singh, the founder Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Krishnamurti received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to linguistics and education. Some notable recognitions include honorary doctorates from Sri Venkateswara University and Dravidian University, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, honorary membership from the Linguistic Society of America, Gidugu Ramamurti Award, Telugu Bhaarati Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Telugu Association.
Prof. Krishnamurti was a visiting professor at several universities, including the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Cornell University, Ithaca, Australian National University, Tokyo University, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and University of Hawaii.
Prof. Bhadriraju Krishnamurti passed away on 11th August 2012, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. His contributions to the University of Hyderabad and the field of linguistics continue to inspire and influence future generations of scholars and educators.
By Mahi Sharma, MA Communication (Media Studies) with inputs from Professor K. D. Sen, INSA Honorary Scientist, School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad