Dharamshala, March 14 – Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 9th Convocation of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, highlighting the role of students and youth in realizing the vision of "Developed India@2047".
The Vice President stated that the vision of "Developed India@2047" – transforming India into a developed nation by its centenary of independence – will require economic growth, social inclusion, technological advancement, environmental sustainability, and ethical leadership.
He added that students and youth are among the most important stakeholders in realizing this vision.
Radhakrishnan emphasized that the vision of "Developed India" must be based on inclusive development, ensuring that none of our states or sections of society are left behind.
Referring to initiatives such as "Startup India" and "Make in India", he said that these have opened new avenues for young innovators.
The Vice President stressed the need for greater collaboration between higher education institutions of the Central and State Governments.
He said that such partnerships through joint research, shared faculty expertise, digital resources, and academic exchanges can create a larger community of learning that benefits both students and scholars, and contribute to building a globally competitive higher education ecosystem for "Developed India".
He appreciated the university for encouraging innovation among youth and for its "Community Lab" initiative, through which students and faculty engage with nearby communities, strengthening outreach and helping students understand the realities of rural India.
The Vice President said that the Central University of Himachal Pradesh is enthusiastically implementing the National Education Policy 2020 and has introduced subjects related to Indian Knowledge Traditions, thereby fostering a new culture of education with a fresh perspective.
He appreciated the university’s initiative to translate several works into Dogri and to translate Hindi literature into Punjabi, noting that its emphasis on "Swadeshi Chintan" (self-reliance thinking) and Indian research methods reflects renewed confidence in India's intellectual traditions.
Appreciating the university's initiatives towards creating a drug-free campus, he said that drugs adversely affect youth, society, and the nation, and urged everyone to create greater awareness against drug abuse.
He also called upon the youth to commit themselves to using their knowledge for the welfare of society, to live for the betterment of the nation, to always say "No to Drugs", and above all to keep the nation first, "Rashtra Pratham".
He noted that at today's convocation, more than 700 meritorious students were awarded degrees and medals, with a majority being women.
The Vice President said that out of the 32 gold medallists, 23 were young women, reflecting the growing empowerment and contribution of women to the progress of the nation.