Character, Cooperation, Constitution: VP’s 3 Mantras for JNU Graduates
C. P. Radhakrishnan urges graduates to combine modern science with Indian values, uphold dissent with responsibility
- Vice President addresses 9th JNU Convocation in New Delhi
- Calls on youth to uphold intellectual honesty and social inclusion
- Stresses harmony between modern science and traditional values
- Highlights Vivekananda’s vision of character-based education
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Jan: Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday addressed the 9th Convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, congratulating graduating students and urging them to dedicate their knowledge and skills to nation-building.
Recalling the teachings of Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, the Vice President said education must go beyond degrees to build character, strengthen intellect and empower individuals to stand on their own feet. He said that education and proper training are essential for India’s youth to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Highlighting India’s rich civilisational tradition of knowledge, Radhakrishnan referred to ancient centres of learning such as Nalanda and Takshashila. He noted that Indian scriptures and classics, from the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita to Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Thiruvalluvar’s Thirukkural, have consistently placed learning at the heart of societal and ethical life.
The Vice President stressed that modern science and traditional values must grow together. Referring to JNU’s democratic ethos, he said debate, discussion and dissent are vital in a healthy democracy, but they must ultimately lead to decisions and cooperation for effective administration.
He appreciated the inclusive atmosphere of JNU and its efforts to promote equity and social inclusion in admissions and faculty recruitment. He also commended the University’s initiatives to expand academic engagement in emerging and civilisational fields, including the establishment of new Centres for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist Studies and efforts to promote Indian languages in line with the National Education Policy.
In his concluding remarks, Radhakrishnan urged graduates to uphold intellectual honesty, promote social inclusion and actively contribute to national development. He called on them to remain guided by constitutional values and India’s civilisational ethos.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, JNU Chancellor Kanwal Sibal, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, senior officials, faculty members, graduating students and their families were present at the ceremony.
