Youth’s Role Critical in Building Viksit Bharat: Vice-President

Chennai, January 2: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday underlined the critical role of youth in building Viksit Bharat and called for continuous learning in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Addressing the 34th convocation of Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute as chief guest, Radhakrishnan said the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 can be achieved only through the active participation of every citizen, with young people at the centre of nation-building efforts.

He said the rapid transformation driven by artificial intelligence and new technologies is reshaping all sectors, making lifelong learning essential. Graduates, he said, must regularly upskill, remain adaptable, and engage with technologies beyond their core disciplines to stay relevant in a fast-changing world.

Recalling Tamil Nadu’s historical role as a global hub of knowledge and maritime trade, the Vice-President said ideas, ethics and culture from the region once travelled across continents, reflecting India’s long tradition of learning, exchange and confident civilisational engagement.

Radhakrishnan stressed that academic achievement should be grounded in values, ethics and social responsibility, noting that professional success without integrity cannot lead to sustainable progress.

Advising students on life after campus, he said success and failure are both integral to personal growth and should be faced with balance and resilience. He cautioned against shortcuts and unhealthy comparisons, urging graduates to set clear goals, move steadily forward and recognise their individual strengths.

Concluding his address, the Vice-President called on the graduating students to lead lives of purpose and service, contributing to both individual excellence and collective national progress.

Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma. Subramanian, institute chancellor A.C. Shanmugam and other dignitaries were present at the convocation.