Vice-President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, delivered a powerful address to the graduating class of Pondicherry University, framing them as the chief architects of a developed India, or 'Viksit Bharat', by the year 2047. Speaking at the institution's 30th convocation ceremony on Monday, he placed the mantle of national progress squarely on the shoulders of the youth.
Blueprint for a Developed Nation and Educational Reform
Radhakrishnan outlined the country's roadmap towards its 2047 goal, stating that the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides a comprehensive plan for building a prosperous, inclusive, and developed India. He connected this national ambition directly to the transformative National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
He described NEP 2020 as a paradigm shift, moving the education system away from rote learning towards critical thinking, from rigid academic silos to multidisciplinary studies, and from an exam-focused approach to holistic development. The Vice-President appealed to the new graduates to become ambassadors of this reformed educational spirit.
Navigating a Tech-Driven Future with Ethical Foresight
The Vice-President cautioned the students about the world's rapid transformation driven by artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology, and digital connectivity. He called for a balanced approach that marries technological enthusiasm with strong ethical vigilance. He also made a fervent appeal to the youth to reject drugs and inspire their peers to do the same.
Radhakrishnan highlighted key government initiatives like PM-Usha, Swayam, Diksha, and the National Digital Library, emphasizing their role in democratizing access to quality education. "Education must be a right for all, not a privilege for a few," he noted, reflecting the philosophy behind these digital platforms.
Roots in Heritage, Eyes on Global Excellence
Drawing from Puducherry's rich cultural tapestry, Radhakrishnan recalled the enduring legacy of poets and thinkers like Subramania Bharathi, Bharathidasan, and Sri Aurobindo. He stated that Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, which integrates knowledge, spirituality, and action, continues to guide higher education in nurturing minds that can contribute to both national progress and global harmony.
He extended his congratulations to Pondicherry University for securing the prestigious A+ grade from NAAC in its fifth assessment cycle. He praised the university's global outreach, evidenced by its 113 Memoranda of Understanding with institutions worldwide, and lauded the feat of 28 faculty members being listed in Stanford University's World's Top 2% Scientists List, calling it a mark of academic excellence.
Earlier in the day, as part of his first visit to the union territory after assuming the Vice-Presidential office, Radhakrishnan inaugurated a housing project under the Smart Cities Mission and unveiled a statue of Bharathi at the revolutionary poet's memorial, where he was also accorded a civic reception.
