Thoothukudi, Nov 12:
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday emphasized that education forms the bedrock of nation-building and urged students to embrace emerging technologies, cultivate self-discipline, and stay away from substance abuse to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Presiding as chief guest over the platinum jubilee celebrations and alumni meet of his alma mater, V.O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi—where he studied BBA between 1975 and 1978—the Vice President unveiled a commemorative 75th-anniversary arch, visited his old classroom, and interacted with former classmates. Encouraging youth to learn multiple languages alongside taking pride in their mother tongue while respecting all faiths, Radhakrishnan fondly recounted how college authorities shielded him from arrest under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency after police arrived on campus following his protest at a Rotaract meeting.
Earlier in the day, Radhakrishnan also presided over the 105th foundation day celebrations of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) alongside Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and TMB MD & CEO Salee S. Nair, highlighting the transformative role of digital banking and UPI in driving India’s financial inclusion and economic growth.