NE EDUCATION BUREAU
THANJAVUR, AUG 17
For young India, the greatest resource is not merely time on the clock, but the ability to transform every passing moment into knowledge, innovation and capability. Delivering a message of purpose and optimism to students at the Ruby and Silver Jubilee Valedictory Celebrations of SASTRA Deemed University in Thanjavur, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan urged the youth to use their formative years wisely, continuously upgrade their skills, innovate relentlessly and consciously limit social media consumption.
Live : Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan’s address at the ruby & silver jubilee celebrations of Sastra University in Thanjavur. https://t.co/i80WQGcmir
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 17, 2026
Congratulating SASTRA on completing important milestones in its academic journey, Radhakrishnan said the institution’s Ruby and Silver Jubilee celebrations reflected its growth in the past, impact in the present and aspiration for greater excellence in the future.
- NEP 2020 described as a guiding pillar for educational progress from KG to Ph.D.
- Higher education GER expected to rise from 30% to 50% by 2035, Vice President says
- Public examination reform seeks to strengthen fairness and transparency for India’s youth
- SASTRA-Tata Communications cybersecurity partnership hailed as vital for India’s sovereign technological growth
- Six new SASTRA initiatives unveiled spanning AI, research, internationalisation, digital learning and faculty development
- C. P. Radhakrishnan urges SASTRA students to turn youth, technology and talent into engines of national progress
He described SASTRA as one of Tamil Nadu’s leading higher education institutions and appreciated its contribution to national development.
‘Time is particularly precious’
Emphasising the extraordinary potential of youth, the Vice President said time assumes special significance when young people are filled with energy, determination and the ambition to achieve what may initially appear impossible.
He urged students to make innovation and continuous skill development an integral part of their lives, while cautioning them against allowing social media to consume valuable time.
The message was particularly relevant in an era when rapidly evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence, are transforming the nature of education, employment and entrepreneurship.
Radhakrishnan also made a strong appeal to students to stay away from narcotic drugs.
“Say no to narcotic drugs. Say Yes to Your Health and Say Yes to Your Life,” he said.
NEP 2020 as education’s new compass
The Vice President described National Education Policy 2020 as a guiding pillar for India’s educational progress from KG to Ph.D., while appreciating the country’s ongoing higher-education reforms.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF), PM-Vidyalaxmi and the Multiple Entry-Multiple Exit framework as measures strengthening India’s higher education and research ecosystem.
He expressed confidence that India’s higher education Gross Enrolment Ratio could rise from the present 30% to 50% by 2035, reflecting the country’s expanding educational aspirations.
The reforms, he said, were aimed at creating a self-reliant ecosystem capable of developing sovereign technological capabilities while simultaneously driving socio-economic growth through manufacturing and services.
Fair examinations, stronger opportunities
Referring to the recently enacted Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, Radhakrishnan said the legislation was intended to strengthen public examination systems and reflected the Government’s commitment to creating a fair and transparent mechanism for India’s youth.
The emphasis on examination integrity, he said, was critical to ensuring that deserving students were not disadvantaged by unfair practices.
Six innovation platforms for SASTRA
Adding momentum to SASTRA’s next phase of growth, six new initiatives were launched during the celebrations:
- TATA Communications Centre for Resilient and Unified Secure Technologies (TRUST) @ SASTRA
- SASTRA.AI – SASTRA’s Integrated AI Framework
- SASTRA-MAITRI – Mobility for Academic Initiatives Through Research and Internationalisation
- SASTRA Teaching, Research & Innovation Development Enhancement (STRIDE) Fund for faculty and research scholars
- DRISHTI – Digital Resources for Instructional Systems in Higher Education using Technology and Innovation
- SMILE – SASTRA-CUB Membership for Incentives, Loyalty and Engagement
Radhakrishnan said the six initiatives launched on the historic occasion would provide a launchpad for SASTRA’s future progress, and wished the university success in achieving their intended outcomes.
Cybersecurity gains strategic importance
The Vice President also congratulated SASTRA on its partnership with Tata Communications in cybersecurity and networking, describing the collaboration as highly relevant to India’s strategic technological interests.
He said resilient and trustworthy cybersecurity infrastructure would be crucial for India’s sovereign growth, particularly as the country expands its digital economy and technological capabilities.
The initiatives launched at SASTRA, he added, aligned with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, encompassing infrastructure development, faculty and student capacity building, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, social engagement and industry collaboration.
‘Temple of learning and excellence’
Radhakrishnan expressed confidence that SASTRA would continue to expand its contribution to education, research and national development and grow further as a “temple of learning and excellence”, contributing to the ideals of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Vice President’s address ultimately placed the responsibility for India’s next phase of development firmly before its young people: use time wisely, keep learning, innovate continuously, build skills, protect health and turn knowledge into national capability.
Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, SASTRA Chancellor Prof. R. Sethuraman, Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vaidhyasubramaniam, Dean Prof. S. Swaminathan, Registrar Prof. R. Chandramouli, faculty members, parents and students were present.
