Vice President Radhakrishnan Inspires NIT Kurukshetra Graduates

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the 20th Convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Kurukshetra, Haryana, on March 15, 2024, where he encouraged graduates to innovate responsibly and contribute to India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047. Speaking as the Chief Guest, Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of pursuing research in vital areas and creating enterprises that align with the goals of a progressive India.

During his address, the Vice President expressed his honour at being part of such a significant event within one of India’s leading technical institutions. He praised NIT Kurukshetra’s rich history and its ongoing role in shaping the standards of technical education across the country. He referred to Kurukshetra as a holy land, emphasizing that righteousness ultimately prevails over injustice.

Encouraging Innovation and Research

Radhakrishnan discussed the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology. He stressed that technology should serve a purpose beyond mere progress, urging students to focus on responsible innovation.

“The true purpose of technology is not just progress, but progress with purpose,” he stated. He called on graduates to engage in research and innovation that addresses India-specific challenges, such as sustainable manufacturing and healthcare technology. Radhakrishnan noted that India is transitioning from being a technology consumer to a global hub for advanced solutions, attributing this shift to initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India.

He encouraged graduates to transform their ideas into businesses that would create jobs and foster national development.

Transforming Education through NEP 2020

The Vice President acknowledged the contemporary challenges facing the world, including climate change and cybersecurity threats, while also highlighting the opportunities these challenges present for innovation and leadership. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he believes is paving a transformative path for India’s education system.

Radhakrishnan remarked that the NEP 2020 encourages multidisciplinary education rooted in India’s rich culture. He criticized the colonial education system established by Thomas Macaulay, asserting that it failed to equip students with the necessary skills for the modern world.

He lauded NIT Kurukshetra for its commitment to holistic education, particularly praising the establishment of the Centre for Holistic Personality Development (CHPD). This initiative promotes the intellectual, emotional, and moral development of students through various courses, including those on the Bhagavad Gita and cognitive science.

Radhakrishnan expressed confidence that graduates from NIT Kurukshetra would play a significant role in achieving India’s aspirations for a developed nation by 2047. He noted that the institute has been granted 64 patents to date, reflecting its strong culture of research and innovation.

He also acknowledged the institute’s collaboration with organizations like DRDO and ISRO in areas such as AI-based warfare and advanced technologies. He commended their contributions to significant space missions, including Chandrayaan and the Mars Orbiter Mission, and their efforts toward self-reliance through indigenous technology.

Radhakrishnan urged graduates to remain connected to India’s development journey, advocating for research that bridges the urban-rural divide and supports the rural economy. “We must move from brain drain to brain gain,” he asserted, encouraging students to keep India in their hearts as they pursue their careers.

He also expressed his aspirations for the youth, stating, “I believe that the next Google, the next Tesla, the next SpaceX should be from India—from institutions like NIT Kurukshetra.” In closing, he reminded graduates that their degrees signify not an endpoint but the beginning of new responsibilities. He urged them to serve society with creativity and compassion.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and NIT Kurukshetra Director Prof. BV Ramana Reddy, among other dignitaries.