R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, AUG 16
A degree may mark the end of a student’s campus journey—but it is the beginning of a much larger responsibility to society and the nation. Driving home this message at the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at Kattankulathur near Chennai on Sunday, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan challenged the graduating students to move beyond simply preparing for tomorrow and become the architects of it.
Live : Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan’s address at the 22nd Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, near Chennai. https://t.co/GsuOkeT727
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 16, 2026
“Do not merely prepare yourself for the future; prepare yourself to shape the future,” the Vice President told the graduates, urging them to channel their knowledge, innovation and hard work towards nation-building.
- ‘Nation First – Rashtra Pratham’ should be the guiding principle, Vice President tells graduating students
- AI and quantum technologies to shape future economies and societies; research must translate into solutions for people
- Youth have a defining role in building Viksit Bharat @2047; VP urges graduates to choose purpose over temptation
- Higher education expands significantly since 2014, with 1,425+ universities and sharp rise in women’s enrolment
- VP expresses deep pain over Tamil Nadu student’s murder linked to drug-related whistleblowing; administers ‘Say No to Drugs’ pledge
- SRMIST honours Mahindra & Mahindra executive R. Velusamy with honorary degree as medals, ranks and degrees are conferred
Addressing the convocation, he said the occasion was much more than the conferment of degrees. It celebrated years of perseverance, discipline and learning while marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of responsibility and service.
AI, quantum technologies to redraw tomorrow
Radhakrishnan appreciated SRMIST for building an academic ecosystem 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 strategic technologies would play a defining role in shaping future economies and societies.
The Vice President also underlined the importance of research that moves beyond laboratories and academic publications to create tangible benefits for society.
“Research achieves its highest purpose when it serves society,” he said, stressing that research becomes truly appreciable when it produces meaningful results, creates social impact and translates into practical benefits for people.
‘Nation First’ must guide young India
Calling youth the greatest strength of Bharat, Radhakrishnan said the graduating students were entering a defining phase in the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
The vision of a developed, innovative, inclusive and self-reliant Bharat, he said, required every young Indian to contribute to nation-building.
“Nation First – Rashtra Pratham” should remain the guiding principle, he said, urging graduates to use their knowledge, innovation and hard work for the progress, security and prosperity of Bharat.
He also called upon them to uphold constitutional values, respect diversity, strengthen national unity and place the larger national interest above narrow self-interest.
In his concluding message, he urged the graduates to carry with them the timeless Indian values of Gyaan (Knowledge), Kartavya (Duty), Karuna (Compassion) and Seva (Service).
India’s higher education landscape expands
Highlighting the expansion of higher education since 2014, the Vice President said 16 IIITs, eight Central Universities, eight IIMs, seven IITs, two IISERs, one NIT and 12 AIIMS had been established during the period.
India now has more than 1,425 universities, 54,000 colleges and 16,850 standalone institutions, he said.
He also highlighted the substantial growth in women’s participation in higher education. Female enrolment, he said, increased from 1.57 crore in 2014–15 to 2.24 crore in 2023–24, representing a 42.2% increase.
The increasing number of women receiving degrees and medals at convocation ceremonies was a welcome development, he added.
‘Discipline over distraction, purpose over temptation’
The Vice President used the convocation platform to deliver a strong message against drugs and substance abuse, urging students to choose “discipline over distraction, purpose over temptation, and excellence over easy shortcuts.”
Referring to the recent incident in Tamil Nadu in which a student was murdered after sharing information about the drug trade, he expressed deep anguish.
He said the incident was profoundly painful and that he felt as though he had lost a member of his own family.
Radhakrishnan subsequently administered the ‘Say No to Drugs’ pledge to the graduating students and the wider student community.
From pandemic solidarity to global responsibility
Recalling India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to more than 100 countries.
He said India did not seek to commercialise the humanitarian assistance and recalled a recent conversation with the Speaker of Kenya, who had expressed gratitude for India’s vaccine assistance.
The Vice President said India’s efforts helped safeguard humanity and reiterated that India stands for peace, development and the welfare of humanity.
He also recalled the Prime Minister’s vision that AIIMS should be available across the country so that medical facilities and medical education could reach people across India.
Degrees, medals and a call to serve
The Vice President conferred degrees, ranks and medals on the graduating students and presented an Honorary Degree Certificate to R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
The ceremony brought together academic leaders, public representatives and members of the SRMIST community in celebration of the graduating cohort and its transition from campus life to a wider world of professional and social responsibility.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, SRMIST Chancellor T. R. Paarivendhar, Pro-Chancellor (Administration) Ravi Pachamuthu, Pro-Chancellor (Academics) P. Sathyanarayanan, Vice-Chancellor C. Muthamizhchelvan and other dignitaries were present.
