The exceptional individuals who represent the pinnacle of achievement in diverse fields, from engineering marvels, pioneering entrepreneurship to impactful public service and groundbreaking research. Their inspiring journeys not only reflect the quality of education and values instilled here but also continue to elevate our institution's legacy on a global stage.
Meet the distinguished alumni of University College of Engineering Kakinada, honored with India's highest civilian accolades: the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards. These exemplary individuals have achieved pinnacles in their fields, leaving an inspiring legacy for our students.
Padma Vibhushan E Sreedharan, the revered "Metro Man of India" and a distinguished alumnus of our institution. Dr. Sreedharan's unparalleled career in engineering transformed India's infrastructure, most notably through his leadership in rebuilding the Pamban Bridge in record time, spearheading the Konkan Railway project, and revolutionizing urban transport as the Managing Director of the Delhi Metro. His relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire generations.
Padma Bhushan V C Kulandaiswamy (1929 – 2016), a distinguished academic and author. An alumnus of the Government College of Technology, Kakinada (Civil Engineering), he became Vice-Chancellor of multiple universities. Awarded both Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, his "Kulandaiswamy Model" in hydrology and Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Tamil literary work highlight his profound and diverse contributions.
Padma Bhushan K I Varaprasad Reddy, a visionary entrepreneur and distinguished alumnus (B.E. in Electronics & Communications, 1970, from then Andhra University) of our institution. Dr. Reddy founded Shantha Biotechnics, which developed India's first indigenous recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine, revolutionizing access to affordable healthcare. His pioneering work in biotechnology and significant contributions to science and engineering earned him the Padma Bhushan in 2005.
Padma Bhushan Satya N Atluri (1945 – 2023), a distinguished alumnus and globally renowned engineer. A graduate of our engineering college (then Andhra University, Kakinada), he earned a Doctor of Science from MIT and held prestigious faculty positions at top global universities. Awarded India's Padma Bhushan, his pioneering work in computational mechanics and over 800 research papers cemented his legacy as a highly cited researcher, inspiring generations.
Padma Shri B V R Mohan Reddy, a visionary entrepreneur, industry stalwart, and a distinguished alumnus of our institution. Beyond his corporate leadership, including serving as Chairman of NASSCOM and CII Southern Region, he is a passionate advocate for higher education, chairing the Board of Governors for IIT Hyderabad and IIT Roorkee. His Padma Shri in 2017 and "Geospatial Hall of Fame" induction highlight his profound impact.
Padma Shri Dr. M Y S Prasad, a distinguished scientist, former Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), and an alumnus of our institution (B.E., Electronics and Communications, 1974, then Government College of Engineering, Kakinada). His nearly 40-year career at ISRO was pivotal in India's space program, earning him the Padma Shri.
Air Marshal Indrakanty Gopala Krishna, an exemplary alumnus whose distinguished career in the Indian Air Force embodies exceptional leadership and dedication. Commissioned in 1957, he rose to the highest ranks, culminating as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Maintenance Command. A recipient of the Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, and Vishist Seva Medal, Air Marshal Krishna's innovative contributions to aerospace engineering and maintenance significantly enhanced the IAF's operational readiness
Sri Y Sivasagar Rao is known for his role as the Chairman and Managing Director of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (also known as Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited or RINL). He held this position, leading the steel plant, which is a major industrial entity in Andhra Pradesh. He is also recognized for his expertise in the steel industry, with experience spanning fabrication, erection, commissioning, maintenance, operation, and commercial activities.
After graduating with two degrees - in Science and Engineering (Electronics&Communication), V V R Sastry joined BEL-Bangalore in 1969 as Probationary Engineer. He has 38 years of experience in diverse areas such as development and engineering, manufacturing, project management, technology management and marketing. Mr Sastry has rich experience in various fields of defence electronics like military communication, electronic warfare and strategic components.
A 1975-batch IAS officer, Prasad started his career as sub-collector in Guduru of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. He became chief secretary during Sri K Rosaiah’s term as chief minister, particularly at a time when the state was passing through a critical period. He continued as the chief secretary during Sri N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s tenure and retired.
Sri Bhaskar Rao Mutyala, a distinguished alumnus originally from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, whose journey exemplifies global success and entrepreneurial spirit. After immigrating to the United States in 1962 to pursue a Master's in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, Mr. Mutyala built a remarkable career, including working at Lockheed for NASA in Houston. He later founded his own successful enterprise, Atlas Transmission.
Sri Bhaskrudu graduated from the College of Engineering Kakinada in the year 1961 in mechanical Engineering. A technocrat, Bhaskarudu worked for nearlu 21 years in the public sector Bharat Heavy Electricals Limites before he was picked up by MYL in 1983. It was R C Bhatgava -- the architect of Maruti's success-- who recruited the Andhra pradesh native to MUL.
Sri J Syamala Rao, a brilliant 1997-batch IAS officer and a true inspiration from our alumni community. Mr. Syamala Rao has recently been entrusted with a pivotal role as the Executive Officer of the world-renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership in various capacities, from driving initiatives in health and urban development to serving as the District Collector of Visakhapatnam. His commitment to serving the public exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our students, and we celebrate his ongoing contributions.
Sri M T Krishna Babu is an IAS officer who has held various significant positions in Andhra Pradesh. Currently, he serves as the Special Chief Secretary to the Government, Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department. He has also previously served as Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port and New Mangalore Port Trust.
Sri Muddada Ravichandra IAS, born December 24, 1964, in Andhra Pradesh, is a highly regarded civil servant. He joined the IAS in 1991, building a 30-year career marked by significant contributions to public administration, particularly in rural development, healthcare, and education. Known for his effective governance and policy innovation, he is a leading candidate for Andhra Pradesh's Chief Secretary, embodying trusted leadership and a commitment to public service.
Sri N Srikant, a 1998-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Power and New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). His distinguished career includes serving as Secretary (Energy) for Andhra Pradesh, where he achieved significant economic savings through innovative power procurement. He also held key roles as the first Commissioner of AP Capital Region Development Authority and Chairman & Managing Director of AP-Transco. This appointment is expected to bolster India's renewable energy initiatives.
Sri K Harsha Vardhan, a distinguished IAS officer from the 2005 batch and a valued alumnus of our institution. Currently serving as the Secretary to Government, Social Welfare Department in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Harsha Vardhan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public service. His impactful career includes significant roles such as Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes and his prior appointment as V.C & M.D. of the Sports Authority of AP
Sri A Kannababu is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He has served as the Commissioner of Panchayat Raj & Rural Development (PR&RD) in Andhra Pradesh. He was also transferred and posted as Secretary (Social Welfare) and given full additional charge as Secretary (Tribal Welfare). Additionally, he holds full additional charge as the Commissioner of PR&RD.
Sri D Balakrishna, a distinguished alumnus and the Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemptions) for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. Mr. Balakrishna is a prominent figure in the field of taxation, known for his expertise in navigating complex exemption-related topics, including various forms for claiming exemptions, anti-abuse provisions concerning charitable donations, and the latest amendments by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
Sri Bayyarapu Prasada Rao ( 11 September 1955 – 10 May 2021) was an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1979 batch of the state of Andhra Pradesh who served as the Director General (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh Police. After his retirement he served as Professor in Physics and Director (Training, Placements and Industry Interface) at Bharat Institutions, Hyderabad.
Sri D Nagendra Kumar, a distinguished alumnus and retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 2002 batch of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Mr. Nagendra Kumar dedicated 31 years to public service, retiring in September 2022 as the Inspector General of Police (Provisioning and Logistics) for Andhra Pradesh. His impactful career also includes significant roles such as Joint Commissioner of Police in Vijayawada City, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kurnool
Sri Chitturi Sridhar, an accomplished IAS officer and a distinguished alumnus of our institution. Currently serving as the Director of Andhra Pradesh Township and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (APTIDCO), Mr. Sridhar has a dynamic career in public service. His notable appointments include Commissioner, Minorities Welfare (with additional charge as VC & MD Minorities Finance Corporation) and previously Director, Mid-Day Meals & School Sanitation.
Sri A S P S Ravi Prakash, a distinguished IAS officer from the 2011 AGMUT batch and a proud alumnus of our institution. Mr. Prakash's career in public service has been marked by dynamic roles and significant responsibilities. Following his recent transfer to Puducherry in May 2025, he has been appointed as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, effective July 2025.
Professor N M Bhatta, a distinguished alumnus and the current Dean (Research) at XIME, Bangalore. His impressive career spans 24 years in the Government of India (including DRDO) and 12 years in the IT industry (including TCS). Recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by JNTUK, Professor Bhatta, holding a Ph.D. and an MBA, is an expert in Business Strategy, Agile methodology, and Innovation, inspiring many with his diverse contributions.
Sri Onkar Chand Sharma, a distinguished IAS officer from the 1994 batch of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, and a respected alumnus of our institution. Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Sharma has held crucial portfolios including Home, Revenue, and Tribal Development, demonstrating significant administrative acumen.
Sri Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao, the esteemed MLA for the Tiruvuru Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh and a proud alumnus of our institution. A member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Mr. Rao assumed office on June 4, 2024. He is recognized for his significant role as a former convener of the Amaravati Joint Action Committee, advocating for the capital's status. As a Post Graduate, his journey from an active social advocate to a public representative inspires current and future generations.
Sri Yaswanth Kumar Reddy, an outstanding IAS officer and alumnus. A JNTUK Gold Medalist, his perseverance led to an AIR 15 in the 2021 UPSC CSE. He has served as Sub-Collector of Palakonda, demonstrating exceptional dedication to public service. His journey is an inspiration in achieving ambitious goals.
Sri Poorna Subhash Pullipudi, an accomplished alumnus and Vice President of Engineering at DotPe. A JNTU B. Tech graduate with advanced degrees from IIT Madras and NUS, he brings 20 years of expertise in technology architecture and design, making him a leading figure in the tech industry.