Hyderabad: Poonam Malakondaiah, Advisor to Vignan’s University and a retired IAS officer, urged students to look beyond marks and ranks and instead focus on discovering and nurturing their creative potential.
She was speaking at the ‘Kalakruthiya’ Art Festival held at Vignan’s University, located in Deshmukhi, Bhoodan Pochampally Mandal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.
Art Platforms Essential for Creative Growth
Addressing students at the event, Poonam Malakondaiah emphasized that platforms like ‘Kalakruthiya’ provide invaluable opportunities for young minds to showcase their artistic talents.
She highlighted that engagement with the arts not only enhances creativity but also contributes to mental well-being and inner peace.
“Students should not limit themselves solely to marks and ranks but should tap into and unleash their creativity,” she remarked.
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Focus on Holistic Development: University Leadership
Speaking on the occasion, Vignan’s University Director Y. V. Daseswara Rao reiterated the institution’s commitment to the all-round development of students.
He noted that the ‘Kalakruthiya’ platform allows students to transform their imagination into reality, producing impressive artistic creations.
He stated that the university consistently prioritizes holistic education, blending academics with creativity and innovation.
About Dr Poonam Malakondaiah
Distinguished Career in Civil Services
Poonam Malakondaiah is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, known for her integrity and strong stance against corruption. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, she has held several high-profile administrative positions.
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s Degree in Botany from the University of Madras
- Master’s Degree in Microbiology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
- Ph.D. from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
Key Roles and Contributions
During her illustrious career, she served in multiple leadership roles, including:
- Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (November 2022)
- Special Chief Secretary, Agriculture & Cooperation
- Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare (represented India at the World Health Assembly in Geneva)
- Special Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries
Reform-Oriented Governance
She played a crucial role in:
- Strengthening Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs)
- Promoting fish culture technologies and establishment of a Fisheries University
- Leading initiatives in women’s safety, including recommendations that led to the formation of SHE Teams
Known for Anti-Corruption Stand
Early in her career, Poonam Malakondaiah took on multinational seed giant Monsanto, bringing the issue of high Bt cotton seed prices before the MRTP Commission, leading to price reduction—an action widely seen as a strong pro-farmer intervention.
Awards and Recognition
- Ranked among India’s most honest and forthright IAS officers by the India Today Group
- Recipient of the Akshara Deeksha Award from the Prime Minister for work in women’s literacy
Post-Retirement Role
After retiring in 2024, she joined RSB Retail India Ltd as a Non-Executive Independent Director in January 2025, continuing her association with governance and leadership.
Personal Life
She is married to M. Malakondaiah, a retired IPS officer who served as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh.
Conclusion
The ‘Kalakruthiya’ Art Festival at Vignan’s University not only celebrated artistic expression but also reinforced the importance of holistic education. Through her address, Poonam Malakondaiah delivered a strong message—true growth lies in balancing academic excellence with creativity and self-expression.
