Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan urged SRMIST graduates to use AI, quantum technologies and innovation for nation-building, guided by the principle of ‘Nation First’.
Chennai: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan has called upon young graduates to use their knowledge, skills and innovation to contribute to nation-building, urging them to make “Nation First – Rashtra Pratham” their guiding principle.
Addressing the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at Kattankulathur near Chennai, the Vice President said a convocation was not merely the awarding of degrees but a celebration of years of perseverance, discipline and learning, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of responsibility and service.
Radhakrishnan appreciated SRMIST for promoting interdisciplinary learning, creativity, entrepreneurship and critical thinking. He highlighted the institution’s work in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, semiconductor research, robotics, biotechnology and sustainable development, saying these strategic technologies would shape future economies and societies.
The Vice President stressed that research achieves its highest purpose when it produces meaningful results and translates into practical solutions that improve people’s lives.
He recalled India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and said India provided vaccines to more than 100 countries, demonstrating its commitment to humanity and global welfare.
Radhakrishnan also highlighted the expansion of higher education since 2014. He said India now has more than 1,425 universities, 54,000 colleges and 16,850 standalone institutions. During this period, 16 IIITs, eight Central Universities, eight IIMs, seven IITs, two IISERs, one NIT and 12 AIIMS were established, he said.
The Vice President noted the significant increase in women’s participation in higher education. Female enrolment rose from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, representing a 42.2 per cent increase.
He said the growing number of women receiving degrees and medals at convocation ceremonies was an encouraging development.
Radhakrishnan said graduates were entering a defining phase in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
“The greatest strength of Bharat is its people, particularly its youth,” he said, urging students: “Do not merely prepare yourself for the future; prepare yourself to shape the future.”
He called upon graduates to uphold constitutional values, respect diversity, strengthen national unity and place the larger national interest above narrow self-interest.
Radhakrishnan also urged students to stay away from drugs and substance abuse, calling for discipline over distraction, purpose over temptation and excellence over shortcuts.
Expressing deep pain over the recent murder of a student in Tamil Nadu allegedly linked to sharing information about the drug trade, he urged young people to collectively say no to drugs.
In his concluding message, he asked graduates to carry forward the Indian values of Gyaan (Knowledge), Kartavya (Duty), Karuna (Compassion) and Seva (Service).
The Vice President presented an honorary degree certificate to R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and conferred medals, ranks and degrees on graduating students. He also administered the ‘Say No to Drugs’ pledge.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, SRMIST Chancellor Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Pro-Chancellor (Administration) Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Pro-Chancellor (Academics) Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Vice-Chancellor Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan and other dignitaries attended the convocation.
