Vice-President appeals to graduates to be ambassadors of NEP’s spirit

PUDUCHERRY: Vice-president of India C P Radhakrishnan exhorted graduating students to shoulder the responsibility of nation-building, describing them as the architects of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Addressing the 30th convocation of Pondicherry University on Monday, Radhakrishnan highlighted the country’s journey to achieve its goal by 2047 and added that the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides a comprehensive road map for building a prosperous, inclusive and developed India.Radhakrishnan emphasized that the National Education Policy 2020 marks a paradigm shift—from rote memorization to critical thinking, from rigid disciplines to multidisciplinary learning, and from exam-centric approaches to holistic development—and appeals to graduates to become ambassadors of its spirit. He reminded the graduates that their degrees carry with them a duty to apply knowledge for the progress of society and the nation.He highlighted key initiatives of the Union education ministry such as PM-Usha, Swayam, Diksha and the National Digital Library, noting that these initiatives democratize access to quality education and reflect the belief that education must be a right for all, not a privilege for a few.He cautioned students about the rapid transformation of the world through artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology and digital connectivity, and called for a balanced approach that combines technological enthusiasm with ethical vigilance. He also urged the youth to firmly say ‘No to drugs’ and encourage their peers to do the same.Drawing from the ancient Tamil text Naladiyar, he reminded students that while knowledge is limitless, the time to acquire it is limited. He urged graduates to discern and absorb what is valuable, ethical and meaningful from the vast ocean of information.He urged graduates to ensure that their education shapes them into good human beings, responsible citizens, and socially conscious professionals, where knowledge is guided by humility, technology by human values and success by social responsibility.Referring to Puducherry as a land of cultural richness and spiritual heritage, he recalled the lasting influence of great poets and visionaries such as Subramania Bharathi, Bharathidasan, and Sri Aurobindo. He noted that Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy continues to guide higher education by integrating knowledge, spirituality and action, while nurturing minds capable of contributing to national progress and global harmony.He congratulated Pondicherry University on securing the prestigious A+ grade from NAAC in its fifth cycle of assessment and praised its global engagement, including 113 Memorandum of Understanding with national and international institutions. He also lauded the achievement of 28 faculty members being featured in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists List, calling it a testament to the university’s academic excellence.Earlier, he inaugurated a housing project under the smart cities mission in the town and unveiled the statue of Bharathi at the revolutionary poet’s memorial. He was given a civic reception as it was his maiden visit to Puducherry after assuming office as the Vice-President.