Chengalpattu : Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan 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 conferment of degrees. It celebrates years of perseverance, discipline and learning while marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of responsibility and service.
Focus on AI, Quantum Technology and Emerging Fields
Radhakrishnan appreciated SRMIST for developing an academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary learning, creativity, entrepreneurship and critical thinking.
He highlighted the institute’s growing focus on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, semiconductor research, robotics, biotechnology and sustainable development, noting that these emerging fields will play a crucial role in shaping future economies and societies.
The Vice President also appreciated SRMIST’s emphasis on translating research into practical solutions that improve people’s lives, strengthen industry and contribute to sustainable development. He said research achieves its highest purpose when it creates meaningful social impact and delivers practical benefits to people.
India’s Global Role During COVID-19
Recalling India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India provided COVID-19 vaccines to more than 100 countries.
He said India did not seek to commercialise the humanitarian assistance provided during the pandemic. Recalling a recent conversation with the Speaker of Kenya, who had expressed gratitude for India’s vaccine assistance, Radhakrishnan said India’s efforts had helped safeguard humanity.
He reiterated that India stands for peace, development and the welfare of humanity.
Expansion of Higher Education Since 2014
The Vice President highlighted the expansion of India’s higher education infrastructure since 2014. He said 16 IIITs, 8 Central Universities, 8 IIMs, 7 IITs, 2 IISERs, 1 NIT and 12 AIIMS have been established during this period.
He further said that India now has more than 1,425 universities, 54,000 colleges and 16,850 standalone higher education institutions.
Radhakrishnan also highlighted the substantial increase in women’s enrolment in higher education, which rose from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, registering an increase of 42.2 per cent.
He described the growing number of women receiving degrees and medals at convocation ceremonies as a welcome development.
‘Prepare Yourself to Shape the Future’
The Vice President told graduates that they are entering a defining phase in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
He said the vision of a developed, innovative, inclusive and self-reliant India requires every young citizen to contribute to nation-building.
Highlighting India’s youth as one of the country’s greatest strengths, Radhakrishnan gave the graduating students a message: “Do not merely prepare yourself for the future; prepare yourself to shape the future.”
Vice President Urges Students to Stay Away from Drugs
Radhakrishnan also urged students to stay away from drugs and all forms of substance abuse. He called upon them to choose “discipline over distraction, purpose over temptation, and excellence over easy shortcuts.”
Referring to a recent incident in Tamil Nadu in which a student was reportedly murdered for sharing information about the drug trade, the Vice President said the incident was deeply painful and that he felt as though he had lost a member of his own family.
He administered the ‘Say No to Drugs’ pledge to the graduates and students.
‘Nation First – Rashtra Pratham’
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 India’s progress, security and prosperity.
He urged the students to uphold constitutional values, respect India’s diversity, strengthen national unity and place the larger national interest above narrow self-interest.
In his concluding remarks, Radhakrishnan urged the graduates to carry with them the timeless Indian values of Gyaan (Knowledge), Kartavya (Duty), Karuna (Compassion) and Seva (Service).
Honorary Degree Conferred on R. Velusamy
During the convocation, the Vice President presented an Honorary Degree Certificate to Shri R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
He also conferred medals, ranks and degrees upon the graduating students.
Governor of Tamil Nadu and Kerala 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 at the convocation.