NE EDUCATION BUREAU
THIRUVARUR, AUG 17
A degree may mark the end of a student’s formal academic journey, but it should never mark the end of learning. Carrying this message to the 11th Convocation of the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) at Thiruvarur on Monday, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan urged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, innovation and adaptability as the defining attributes of a rapidly changing future.
Live : Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan’s address at the 11th Convocation, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur https://t.co/YUdw0jZ07Z
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 17, 2026
Congratulating the graduating students, the Vice President said a convocation was much more than a ceremonial presentation of degrees. It celebrated the transformative power of education, as well as the dedication, perseverance and resilience that enabled students to reach an important milestone in their lives.
- C. P. Radhakrishnan tells CUTN graduates to become creators, innovators and leaders, not mere consumers of knowledge
- Education must move beyond marks to nurture independent thinking, creativity and social responsibility
- 1,103 graduates receive degrees; women dominate academic honours with 616 graduates and 37 of 50 Gold Medals
- Vice President backs tougher public-exam safeguards, urges security agencies to crack down on drug menace
- ‘Nation First’ must guide youth as India marches towards Viksit Bharat @2047, he says
- From Thiruvarur’s spiritual heritage to tomorrow’s knowledge economy, graduates urged to combine learning with values and purpose
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of parents and teachers, observing that they had foregone many present-day comforts for the future of their children and students.
Education beyond examination halls
Radhakrishnan said the true measure of education could not be confined to examination scores or academic marks.
“It must be measured by the ability to think independently, communicate effectively, work collaboratively and continue learning throughout life.”
He commended CUTN for reflecting this philosophy through its emphasis on multidisciplinary education, research, innovation and value-based learning.
In an increasingly technology-driven and unpredictable world, he stressed that the ability to learn, unlearn and adapt would be critical for graduates seeking to remain relevant and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Vice President also highlighted the expansion of higher education over the past 12 years and noted the increasing participation of women in universities. He said he frequently sees more women than men receiving degrees and medals at convocation ceremonies across the country, describing the trend as a welcome development.
‘Creators, innovators, leaders’
In a powerful message to the graduating class, the Vice President urged students not to remain passive recipients of knowledge.
“Become creators rather than consumers of knowledge; innovators rather than imitators; leaders rather than followers.”
He called upon the youth to place “Nation First – Rashtra Pratham” at the centre of their actions and use their knowledge, skills and leadership to contribute to India’s development.
Referring to India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047, he said young people would have a decisive role in transforming the country’s demographic strength into an engine of innovation, enterprise and national progress.
Fair examinations, fair opportunities
The Vice President also turned attention to the integrity of India’s public examination system, stressing that honest students must be protected from those who resort to unfair means.
Referring to the recently passed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, he said preventing malpractice and protecting students’ interests were of paramount importance.
Recalling his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, he said a similar legislation had been passed by the State Government during his tenure and that he had signed it immediately, enabling it to become law.
“Bad elements in society must be punished to protect the interests of good people,” he said, underscoring the need for stringent action to preserve the credibility and fairness of public examinations.
A call to protect youth from drugs
The Vice President also issued a strong appeal against substance abuse, urging police and security agencies to take strict action against drug peddlers and those involved in spreading the menace.
Drug abuse, he said, not only destroys individual lives but also damages families and society, making protection of young people a collective responsibility.
He reiterated his appeal to students:
“Say No to Drugs.”
He also encouraged graduates to persuade their friends to stay away from substance abuse and make responsible choices as they enter the next phase of their lives.
Thiruvarur’s heritage meets tomorrow’s India
Highlighting the significance of the convocation’s venue, Radhakrishnan described Thiruvarur as a sacred land that has for centuries nurtured spirituality, scholarship and artistic excellence.
He referred to the magnificent Thyagaraja Temple and the region’s association with saints, scholars and the legendary Trinity of Carnatic music, observing that true greatness emerges when culture, learning and values flourish together.
The convocation thus brought together two dimensions of education — the timeless wisdom of Thiruvarur’s cultural heritage and the contemporary imperative of innovation, research and adaptability.
Women lead the academic honours
As many as 1,103 graduates received their degrees at the 11th Convocation, including 50 Gold Medallists who were recognised for academic excellence.
Women accounted for 616 of the 1,103 graduates and secured an impressive 37 of the 50 Gold Medals, underlining their growing dominance in higher education and academic achievement.
Concluding his address, the Vice President wished the graduates success, fulfilment, good health and, above all, the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference to society.
Governor of Tamil Nadu Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Nagapattinam Lok Sabha Member V. Selvaraj, Chancellor Prof. G. Padmanabhan, Vice-Chancellor Senior Prof. Sulochana Shekhar, faculty members, parents and students were present.
