Vice-President Radhakrishnan lays foundation for ₹110 crore projects at Gauhati University
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan laid the foundation for ₹110 crore infrastructure projects at Gauhati University and highlighted research, linguistic heritage, women’s education and Assam’s development.
The Vice-President appreciated Gauhati University’s efforts to preserve India’s linguistic heritage, observing that language carries the memory, wisdom and identity of a civilisation.
GUWAHATI: Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Monday laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth ₹110 crore at Gauhati University, including a multidisciplinary academic building, a boys’ hostel, an international students’ hostel and works related to the university’s auditorium and library.
Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan highlighted the historic significance of Gauhati University, established on January 26, 1948, as the first university in Northeast India following a sustained public movement led by eminent leaders including Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi.
The university has since grown into a premier institution in the region and currently holds NAAC A+ accreditation and ranks ninth among State Public Universities in the NIRF 2025 rankings.
Focus on linguistic and regional research
The Vice-President appreciated Gauhati University’s efforts to preserve India’s linguistic heritage, observing that language carries the memory, wisdom and identity of a civilisation.
He welcomed the translation of Assamese and Tamil literary works into each other and encouraged greater academic and literary exchanges between Assam and Tamil Nadu, describing linguistic diversity as an expression of India’s cultural unity.
Radhakrishnan also appreciated the university’s research on the Brahmaputra Basin, endangered languages, multilingualism, women’s studies, environmental sustainability and Indian Knowledge Systems.
Describing the Brahmaputra as an ecological, economic and civilisational force, he stressed the importance of research that addresses regional as well as national challenges.
Women’s enrolment in higher education rises
Highlighting the expansion of India’s higher education ecosystem since 2014, the Vice-President credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership with expanding educational opportunities across the country.
He referred to the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIITs, Central Universities, AIIMS and other institutions.
Radhakrishnan also highlighted a 42.2% increase in women’s enrolment in higher education, from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, describing rising participation and academic achievement among women as a significant indicator of empowerment.
Assam’s education and employment progress
The Vice-President praised Assam’s development trajectory under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, particularly in infrastructure, connectivity, education, investment and employment.
He highlighted improvements in the state’s education sector, the commencement of the first MBA batch at IIM Guwahati and more than 1.64 lakh merit-based government appointments since 2021.
Calling upon students and scholars to contribute to the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047, Radhakrishnan urged them to pursue research addressing community challenges, ensure technology serves humanity and use innovation as a vehicle for inclusive development.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he urged the youth to “Awake, arise and stop not till your goal is reached.”
Books on Bhupen Hazarika and Assamese lexicography released
On the occasion, the Vice-President released Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs, edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta, and the fifth revised and enlarged edition of Chandrakanta Abhidhan.
He also witnessed a cultural programme presented by Gauhati University students showcasing Assam’s cultural heritage.
Radhakrishnan subsequently led students and other participants in taking the “No to Drugs” pledge. He urged young people to stay away from substance abuse, practise self-discipline, manage their time wisely and limit excessive social media use.
Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta, Registrar Utpal Sarma, faculty members, students and other dignitaries attended the programme.
