VP Radhakrishnan Urges SRMIST Graduates in Kattankulathur to Lead Nation-Building

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan called upon graduating students to use their knowledge, innovation, and skills for nation-building during the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at Kattankulathur near Chennai on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, he urged students to be guided by the principle of "Nation First – Rashtra Pratham" and stated that strategic technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, robotics, and biotechnology would play a crucial role in shaping future economies and societies. He emphasised that research achieves its highest purpose when it serves society by translating into practical solutions that improve people's lives.

Highlighting the role of the youth in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Vice-President advised graduates not merely to prepare for the future, but to prepare to shape it. He pointed out the significant expansion of India's higher education sector since 2014, noting that the country now possesses more than 1,425 universities, 54,000 colleges, and 16,850 standalone institutions. He also highlighted the growth in women's enrolment in higher education, which increased from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24.

Expressing deep pain over the recent murder of a student in Tamil Nadu allegedly linked to whistleblowing on the drug trade, the Vice-President urged students to stay away from drugs and substance abuse. He called for discipline over distraction, purpose over temptation, and excellence over easy shortcuts, and subsequently administered the "Say No to Drugs" pledge to the audience.

During the event, the Vice-President recalled India's Covid-19 vaccine assistance to more than 100 countries, pointing out that the nation stands for peace, development, and human welfare. He presented an honorary degree to R. Velusamy, President of Automotive Business at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and conferred degrees and medals upon the graduates. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and SRMIST Chancellor T. R. Paarivendhar also attended the convocation.