The Vellore Institute of Technology University in Andhra Pradesh (VIT-AP) celebrated the 80th Independence Day by honouring nine unsung heroes at the campus on Saturday. The nine unsung heroes included three firefighters, three APSRTC employees and three police personnel rewarded for their exceptional courage, dedication and service to the public. Each of them received a memento and a cash reward of ₹25,000.

Director, Department of Women Development and Child Welfare M. Venu Gopal Reddy unfurled the National Flag and appreciated VIT-AP University for its commitment to social responsibility and for recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to society, including those who risked their lives to save others. He urged people to draw inspiration from the leaders who fought for India’s freedom and uphold their values of service and sacrifice.

Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman said that Independence Day is an opportunity not only to celebrate freedom, but also to recognise those who “serve society with courage and selflessness”. The V-C described the recognition of the unsung heroes as a tribute to their dedication and an inspiration for students to embrace service and responsibility.

The nine awardees included Leading Fireman J. Ramanjula Reddy of Tadipatri fire station, Driver Operator R. Uma Maheswara Rao of Narasannapeta fire station and Fireman P. Mohan Babu of Visakhapatnam fire station. The APSRTC personnel honoured were drivers S. Jahangir, D. Timothy and K. Srinivasa Rao. Police awardees were Head Constables Y. Baburao and B. Chandrasekhar, and RSI M. Ramamohan.

The university also recognised 30 housekeeping staff members and 17 security personnel with certificates of appreciation for their dedicated service and outstanding performance.