The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today addressed the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu near Chennai and called upon graduating students to use their knowledge, skills and innovation for nation-building, guided by the principle of ‘Nation First – Rashtra Pratham’.
Addressing the graduating students, the Vice President said a convocation is much more than the award of degrees. It celebrates years of perseverance, discipline and learning while marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of responsibility and service.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan appreciated SRMIST for creating an academic ecosystem that promotes interdisciplinary learning, creativity, entrepreneurship and critical thinking. He noted the institution’s growing focus on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, semiconductor research, robotics, biotechnology and sustainable development, saying these fields would shape future economies and societies.
The Vice President appreciated SRMIST’s emphasis on translating research into practical solutions that improve lives, strengthen industry and contribute to sustainable development. He said that research achieves its highest purpose when it serves society.
The Vice President said research becomes truly appreciable when it produces the right results, creates a meaningful impact on society and translates into practical benefits for people.
Recalling India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India provided COVID-19 vaccines to more than 100 countries. He said India did not seek to commercialise the humanitarian assistance. Recalling a conversation with the Speaker of Kenya recently, who had expressed gratitude for India’s vaccine assistance, he said many Western countries had not provided similar support to poorer nations. He added that India’s efforts helped safeguard humanity and reiterated that India stands for peace, development and the welfare of humanity.
The Vice President said the Prime Minister had told him that AIIMS should be available across the country, so that medical facilities and medical education could reach people across India.
The Vice President highlighted the expansion of higher education in the country since 2014. He said that 16 IIITs, 8 Central Universities, 8 IIMs, 7 IITs, 2 IISERs, 1 NIT and 12 AIIMS have been established during this period. Bharat today has more than 1,425 universities, 54,000 colleges and 16,850 standalone institutions, he said.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the substantial increase in women’s enrolment in higher education, from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, an increase of 42.2 per cent. He said the increasing number of women receiving degrees and medals at convocation ceremonies was a welcome development.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said the graduates were entering a defining phase in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047. He said the vision of a developed, innovative, inclusive and self-reliant Bharat calls upon every young Indian to contribute to nation-building.
The Vice President said the greatest strength of Bharat is its people, particularly its youth. Sharing his message with the graduating students, he said: “Do not merely prepare yourself for the future; prepare yourself to shape the future.”
He also urged students to stay away from drugs and all forms of substance abuse, and called upon them to choose “discipline over distraction, purpose over temptation, and excellence over easy shortcuts.”
The Vice President said the recent incident in Tamil Nadu in which a student was murdered for sharing information about the drug trade was deeply painful. He said he felt as though he had lost a member of his own family.
Calling upon graduates to make ‘Nation First – Rashtra Pratham’ their guiding principle, the Vice President said their knowledge, innovation and hard work should contribute to the progress, security and prosperity of Bharat. He urged them to uphold constitutional values, respect diversity, strengthen national unity and place the larger national interest above narrow self-interest.
In his concluding remarks, the Vice President urged graduates to carry with them the timeless Indian values of Gyaan (Knowledge), Kartavya (Duty), Karuna (Compassion) and Seva (Service).
On the occasion, the Vice President presented an Honorary Degree Certificate to Shri R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and conferred medals, ranks and degrees upon the graduates. He also administered the ‘Say No to Drugs’ pledge to the graduates and students.
Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Chancellor, SRMIST, Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar; Pro-Chancellor (Administration), Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu; Pro-Chancellor (Academics), Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan; Vice-Chancellor, Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan; and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
