Srinagar, February 26 Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said on Thursday that the nation needs to shed its colonial mindset in order to emerge as a global leader in innovation.
Radhakrishnan was addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir here.
"As graduating students, I urge you to focus on indigenous innovation and solutions that are rooted in Indian knowledge, resources, and needs. We do not need to be worried; we do not need to feel inferior. We must first discard our colonial mindset," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country more vibrant and more supportive than ever before, he said.
"I wish you all success in developing the next big innovation, the next way of sustainable development, and the next chapter in India's success as a global leader," the vice president added.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that the Prime Minister called on all scientists in the country to develop a vaccine for the epidemic.
"How many of us believed in it? But we found the best vaccine, and it has worked very well for all of humanity," he added.
The vice president further said that the same vaccine has been researched and developed by the most advanced Western economies, but all of them were struggling to patent it so that they could sell it for a very high price.
"Yes, a unit of the vaccine can be sold for USD 7,500, but how can a poor man afford that?" he added.
He said that Indian innovations are widely accepted by the Western world. "So the whole world is open to you now; it is your initiative, it is your interest. It is your enthusiasm, and your hard work will put you at the top of the world," he added.
Radhakrishnan said recently that the central government has approved the development and expansion of the Srinagar International Airport, at an estimated cost of over Rs 1600 crores.
"Our Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, mentioned that tourism is to be expanded, but it must be expanded without affecting the ecosystem of our great state," he said.
The Chenab rail bridge across the river is a marvel, being the highest railway bridge, he added.
"There are many other infrastructure projects that send out a bigger message. These projects are more than just engineering achievements. They are instruments of social harmony. When places are connected, people are connected. And when people are connected, hearts are closely connected," he said.
The vice president said that these initiatives also create new opportunities for the youth, like those graduating today.
"The PM's special scholarship schemes for students of Jammu and Kashmir provide a great opportunity, aspiration, and national integration by enabling students to study in institutions across the country," he said.
Urging students to stay away from drugs, Radhakrishnan said, "Your parents are depending on you that you will take care of them in their old age...They want you to be successful in your life."
Every religion treats narcotics as the most sinful product, so keep away from drugs, he added.
"Advise your friends, family members, and whoever you meet, to stay away from drug use," he said.
The vice president also advised the youth to be mindful of their social media usage. "This needs to be controlled. Social media will not help you to become more successful in your life. Everything should have its own limits," he said.
Radhakrishnan said he wanted to tell the students three things: "I want to tell you three things. 'Mera Kashmir nahi, tumhara Kashmir nahi, Hamara Kashmir.' That is what I want from all of you."