Vice-Chancellor
Prof. T. Gangadhar
In Charge Vice-Chancellor
Prof. Toparapu Gangadhar, the current In-charge Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of visual arts. With over 36 years of professional experience, his journey from a passionate student to an eminent artist, educator and as Vice Chancellor, has been marked by his achievements and significant contributions to the field of Art and Academics at JNAFAU.
Prof.Toparapu Gangadhar, worked as Principal, College of Fine Arts,before he was appointed as In-Charge Vice Chancellor of JNAFAU, is a Visual artist with immense professional experience in the field of Visual Arts. He was born in 1965 at Bheemgalmandal, Nizamabad district,Telangana. He studied 5 years Diploma in Applied Art (1981-1986) and Master of Fine Arts (Applied Art) in the erstwhile, JNTU College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad before he had joined as teacher in the same institution. He was appointed as Lecturer in 1992 subsequently he was designated as Assistant Professor in 1998, promoted as Associate Professor in 2006 and became Professor in 2022.Over three decades, he has mentored countless students, fostering their growth as artists and professionals. Beyond teaching, he has taken on key administrative roles :
Prof.T. Gangadhar, has been working in the of Department Applied art. Steering the department towards innovation and growth and mentoring young and professional minds he served in various teaching and administrative roles such as OIE for Foundation Course (Applied Arts, Painting and Sculpture) in 2005; Coordinator ICS in 2008; Vehicle in-charge and BMO in 2010; OI exams in 2012;Coordinator for Department of Animation in 2014; Student Advisor in 2015; and served as Head of the Applied Arts Department College of Fine Arts, JNAFAU in 2017. Now he has been part of Board of Studies. He had explored various artistic mediums and contributed with evocative illustrations for publications, school books and children’s magazines like BalaChelimi, Chekumuki and AksharaDeeksha proving his finest artistic skills as an Illustrator and Painter.
Utilizing his experience in Art circles and his versatile art practicehe shaped up the College of Fine Arts during his tenure as the Principal, College of Fine Arts, JNAFAU fostering an environment of academic rigor and artistic freedom. His close association with eminent artists helped not only in expanding his art practice and also resulted in the right equilibrium in academics and artistic freedom in College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad by ensuring interactive platforms for artists across the country, through several art camps, Student Art Fairs and Annual exhibitions. He took initiation to expand the Department of Applied Art and Animation with adequate infrastructure at the College of Fine Arts, JNFAU and continued to bridge the academics and art circle.
Prof. Gangadhar’s tenure as Principal of the College of Fine Arts was transformative. He fostered an environment of academic rigor and artistic freedom, organizing numerous art camps, student art fairs, and annual exhibitions. His initiatives bridged the gap between academia and the art world, creating interactive platforms for artists across the country. His association with eminent artists enriched the institution, ensuring a balanced approach to education and creativity.By blending tradition with modernity, he has left an ineradicable impression on Telangana’s cultural and educational landscape.
Prof.T.Gangadhar is known for his magnanimous contribution to the public spaces with iconic sculptures such as: Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao Statue (in 1996) which is situated at NTR Gardenscelebrates the legacy of the former Chief Minister; Mahatma Gandhi statue (in 2002) situated at Jeedimetla Industrial Areaserves as a symbol of peace and resilience; Jawaharlal Nehru Statue (in 2007) situated at JNTU Hyderabad, Kakinada &Ananthapurhonor India’s first Prime Minister; Indira Gandhi Statue (in 2009) situated at Necklace Road, Hyderabadstands as a tribute to India’s first woman Prime Minister, and many more statues of various personalities. He coordinated Yellapragada project –NIN in 2008 and received honors from the State government. ): His latest creation, an iconic statue of Rajiv Gandhi (in 2024) showcases his mastery in capturing the quintessence of great leaders.Among Prof. Gangadhar’s most celebrated achievements is his conception of Telangana Talli, a personification of Mother Telangana. Created in 2007, this iconic illustration became a symbol of the state’s cultural identity.
For his professional excellence and contribution to the contemporary Public art, the Government of Telangana honoured him with Prathibha Award along with several other recognitions and achievements that he is credited with.One of the significant and irrevocable award received from the Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri K Chandrashekar Rao was ‘Gandapenderam’ (felicitating with a Golden Bracelet for showing outstanding aptitude in any field) at Nizam College Grounds, Hyderabad for conceiving and designing an illustration of ‘Telangana Talli’, the personification of ‘Mother Telangana’ in 2007 for which he is known as “Telangana TalliRoopakarta”. Later in this year, on the advice of A.Revanth Reddy, present Chief Minister of Telangana, Prof. T.Gangadhar recreated another form of Telangana Thalli which is situated in front of Telangana Secretariat.The unveiling of this sculpture by the Chief Minister marked another milestone in his illustrious career.
Thus, Prof.ToparapuGangadhar will beremembered as a source of inspiration for shaping the future of art and education in Telangana, and for his ability to merge artistic vision with educational leadership. His sculptures continue to inspire generations, while his administrative efforts have strengthened the academic framework of JNAFAU.
Vice-Chancellor Office:
Mr. S. Goverdhan
(PA to Vice-Chancellor)
vc@jnafau.ac.in
Mrs. T. Vasantha
(PA to Vice-Chancellor-2)
vc@jnafau.ac.in