Puducherry, Dec 30: At the 30th Convocation of Pondicherry University in Puducherry on Monday, Vice-President and Chancellor C. P. Radhakrishnan called upon graduating students to shoulder the responsibility of nation-building, describing them as the “architects of Viksit Bharat @2047” and urging them to blend knowledge with values, innovation with integrity, and ambition with social responsibility.Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan congratulated the graduating students and reminded them that a convocation was not merely a celebration of academic achievement, but a solemn milestone marking their transition to greater responsibility. He said the future of the nation rests in the hands of the youth, whose knowledge, creativity, and ethical leadership would shape India’s next developmental leap.
Quoting the ancient Tamil classic Naladiyar, he stressed that while knowledge is limitless, the time to acquire it is limited, urging students to discern and absorb what is valuable, ethical, and meaningful in an age overflowing with information.
He also encouraged them to uphold discipline, dedication, and service, and to become ambassadors of India’s growth story as the country marches towards 2047.
Referring to Puducherry’s cultural and intellectual heritage, the Vice-President recalled the enduring influence of great thinkers like Subramania Bharathi, Bharathidasan, and Sri Aurobindo, whose philosophies continue to inspire education that integrates knowledge, spirituality, and action.
Applauding Pondicherry University for securing an A+ grade in its fifth NAAC accreditation cycle and for fostering strong global engagement through 113 MoUs, he praised the institution’s academic excellence, including 28 faculty members being listed among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists.
Highlighting India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047, he said the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides a roadmap for building a prosperous, inclusive, and developed nation. He emphasized that the National Education Policy 2020 marks a paradigm shift from rote learning to critical thinking and holistic development, and urged students to uphold its spirit.
While acknowledging rapid technological transformation driven by AI, automation, biotechnology, and digital connectivity, he cautioned students to adopt a balanced approach rooted in ethics and responsibility. He also appealed to the youth to firmly say “No to Drugs” and inspire their peers to do the same.
On the occasion, the Vice-President inaugurated the Mahakavi Subramania Bharati International Convention Centre on the campus to promote academic exchange and global collaboration.
The event was attended by Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu, and other dignitaries.