Behind every successful institution lies a foundation built by extraordinary individuals. For IIIT Hyderabad, V.V. Ramana has been one of those irreplaceable pillars.
As the Advisor to the General Administration Department (GAD), Ramana served IIIT-H with over 25 years of dedicated, sincere, and exemplary service. After reaching superannuation, he continued to lend his expertise through a two-year extension. As he officially wraps up his extended tenure, the entire IIIT-H community gathered on 30th July to celebrate his monumental legacy, express deep gratitude, and wish him the very best for his next chapter.
Joining the institute staff in honoring his contributions, Prof. Sandeep Kumar Shukla, Director of IIIT Hyderabad, extended his heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes to Ramana on his retirement.
The Youngest of the Five Pillars
Reflecting on Ramana’s long-standing impact, Prof. P.J. Narayanan, former Director of IIIT-H fondly recalled him as “the youngest of the five foundational pillars” who helped shape the institute’s growth and culture.
For many, he was the face of the campus from day one.
“He is probably the very first person everyone met when they joined the institute,” shared Prof. K.S. Rajan, Registrar, IIIT-H. “He is remembered for never saying ‘no’ to anything.”
The Epitome of “Man Friday”
Capturing his unwavering loyalty and exceptional problem-solving skills, Jayanthi Sivaswamy, Professor Emeritus described him as the true definition of a “Man Friday”—a trusted, highly capable right-hand man who could manage any challenge thrown his way.
She highlighted his go-getter attitude, recalling a defining moment from the campus’s early days:
“In the year 2000, when faculty and students protested to save and transplant the Banyan trees, Ramana gave us a confident nod. Using his government contacts, he made the impossible happen. Fast forward 26 years—when I asked him about tree transplantation again, his answer was still an energetic ‘yes.'”
A Legacy of Positivity and Kindness
Beyond his administrative efficiency, Ramana is deeply cherished for his warmth and human touch.
A Constant Smile: “Ramana always carries a positive, charming aura and a pleasant smile,” noted Prof. Kishore Kothapalli, Dean (Academics).
An Uncompromising Standard: “Do it once, do it good. That is the ultimate lesson we learned from him,” shared Prof. Kamalakar Karlapalem.
A Heart for the Community: Colleagues also warmly remembered his quiet acts of social service off-campus, such as personally distributing woolen blankets to the needy sleeping on footpaths during harsh winters.
To mark the occasion, IIIT Hyderabad’s faculty and staff felicitated Ramana alongside his wife and son, sharing memories, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation for a lifetime of dedication.
As Ramana steps into a well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind a campus permanently shaped by his quiet dedication, infectious smile, and unmatched problem-solving spirit. Leaders, administrators, and staff may change over time, but the gold standard of service and warmth he set will remain embedded in the ethos of IIIT Hyderabad.
Here’s wishing him a joyful, peaceful, and prosperous new chapter ahead!
July 2026