Graduates Are Architects of Viksit Bharat @2047: Vice-President Radhakrishnan
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 30th Convocation of Pondicherry University today and exhorted graduating students to shoulder the responsibility of nation-building, describing them as the architects of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Puducherry, December 29: Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday called upon graduating students to play a decisive role in nation-building, describing them as the “architects of Viksit Bharat @2047”, while addressing the 30th Convocation of Pondicherry University.
Congratulating the students, the Vice-President said that a convocation is not merely a ceremonial milestone but a moment of transition from academic learning to greater social responsibility. Degrees, he noted, must translate into meaningful contributions for the progress of society and the nation.
Highlighting Puducherry’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy, Shri Radhakrishnan recalled the influence of luminaries such as Subramania Bharathi, Bharathidasan, and Sri Aurobindo. He said Sri Aurobindo’s vision of integrating knowledge, spirituality, and action remains deeply relevant to higher education and nation-building in the contemporary world.
The Vice-President congratulated Pondicherry University for securing an A+ grade from NAAC in its fifth cycle, and praised its growing global footprint through 113 national and international MoUs. He also lauded the achievement of 28 faculty members being listed among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists, calling it a strong endorsement of the university’s academic excellence and research culture.
Referring to India’s long-term development goals, Shri Radhakrishnan said the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, articulated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, offers a comprehensive roadmap for building a prosperous, inclusive, and developed India. He underscored the transformative nature of the National Education Policy 2020, which shifts the focus from rote learning to critical thinking, multidisciplinary education, and holistic development.
The Vice-President also highlighted key digital and educational initiatives such as PM-USHA, SWAYAM, DIKSHA, and the National Digital Library, stating that these platforms democratise access to quality education and reaffirm the principle that education must be a right for all.
Cautioning students about the rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology, and digital technologies, he urged them to balance innovation with ethics and human values. He also made a strong appeal to youth to say “No to Drugs” and act as role models within their communities.
Quoting from the ancient Tamil text Naladiyar, Shri Radhakrishnan reminded graduates that while knowledge is infinite, the time to acquire it is limited, urging them to pursue wisdom that is ethical, meaningful, and socially relevant.
He concluded by calling upon graduates to ensure that their education shapes them into responsible citizens and compassionate professionals, where success is guided by humility, technology by human values, and ambition by social responsibility.
The convocation ceremony was attended by Lt. Governor of Puducherry Shri K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister Shri N. Rangasamy, and Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University Prof. P. Prakash Babu, along with other dignitaries.
