V-P Radhakrishnan calls for innovation, social responsibility at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology convocation

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday urged students to embrace innovation, uphold integrity, and contribute to nation-building while addressing the 8th convocation ceremony of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology in Murthal, Sonepat.

Paying tribute to Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram, the Vice President described him as a visionary leader who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of farmers and marginalised communities. He said Chhotu Ram’s emphasis on cooperative institutions and equitable land practices laid the foundation for a resilient agricultural system, contributing significantly to Haryana’s growth as a progressive agrarian state.

Congratulating the graduating students, V-P Radhakrishnan highlighted the growing participation of women in higher education, noting that nearly 64% of gold medal winners were women and that they constituted around half of the graduating cohort. He attributed this shift to sustained awareness efforts and initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which have improved gender balance in the state.

Referring to India’s development trajectory, V-P Radhakrishnan reiterated the importance of self-reliance under the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He cited India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of the country’s capability, noting that domestically developed vaccines were not only provided free to citizens but also supplied to over 100 countries.

The Vice President also underlined the importance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and quantum computing, urging students to explore these fields responsibly and use them for societal advancement.

Expressing concern over rising substance abuse, V-P Radhakrishnan called upon the youth to reject drugs and become ambassadors of a drug-free society. He emphasised that true success lies not only in achievements but also in character, resilience, and ethical values.

Highlighting the need to “decolonise the mindset,” the Vice President said education must instil confidence in India’s heritage and intellectual traditions while encouraging independent thinking.

Among those present at the ceremony were Haryana Governor and Chancellor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Cabinet Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shree Prakash Singh.