Andhra University Shines as Female Student Earns Spot in National Budget 2026 Talks

VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA – In a competition where the odds were about as friendly as a tax audit, a student from Andhra University (AU) emerged victorious to feature in the prestigious National Level Discussion on the Union Budget 2026. This was no small feat, and certainly not a casual classroom exercise.

Ms. M.S.L.V. Soujanya, a fifth-year Pharm.D student, didn’t just stumble into the national forum. She earned her seat the hard way, navigating a rigorous, multi-stage selection process that would make even the most seasoned applicants pause and reread the instructions twice. The initiative, organised by the Central Government, is designed to pull young minds into the driver’s seat of India’s future under the ambitious “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.

To put things into perspective, Soujanya competed against approximately 1.2 million participants from across India. Yes, more than a million minds. After clearing a demanding three-stage selection process, she stood tall as Andhra University’s sole delegate at the regional centre during the national event. Not bad for someone who probably still had exams and assignments to worry about.

Andhra University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. G.P. Rajasekhar, was full of praise, commending Soujanya’s dedication and sharp intellect. He underscored the importance of student participation in national policy discussions, noting that economic literacy is no longer optional, and perhaps less intimidating when students like Soujanya are involved.

The programme, held from April 12-13, 2026, featured a virtual session with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, bringing students “face-to-face” with the highest level of leadership. It is not every day that a student gets to engage in conversations that could shape national budgets.

Beyond the applause and accolades, Soujanya’s accomplishment signals a broader shift: students are no longer just studying the system; they are helping to shape it. And for Andhra University, it is another proud moment that reinforces its commitment to academic excellence and grooming leaders who can think, compete, and occasionally outshine a million others.

Mr. Lubuulwa is a scholar of Journalism and Mass Communication at AU.