Motihari, April 4 Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said on Saturday that in an era marked by conflict, division, and intolerance, Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence offers a powerful way forward for humanity.
Addressing the third convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in East Champaran district, Radhakrishnan asserted that fields such as AI and data science are opening new avenues for growth and innovation, as he urged the youth to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility.
"We all know that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment in Bihar, and Gandhi found his true 'karma boomi' in this very land of Champaran," he said.
Radhakrishnan said, whether it be Buddhism, Jainism, or the idea of socialist revolution, everything took shape here.
"Bihar has produced visionaries like Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, who shaped the moral and political conscience of India. I myself, as an 18 or 19 years old, had a deep association with the JP movement in 1974 as the district general secretary of Coimbatore," he said.
The vice president remembered the contributions of Karpoori Thakur, first president Rajendra Prasad and philanthropist Maharani Janki Kunwar in uplifting India's socio-political status.
Congratulating the graduating students, he urged them to embrace nationalism and play their roles in "building a healthy and resilient society that never accepts non-ethical things".
"As you receive your degrees today, you are expected to serve as torchbearers of India's rich legacy. May you carry forward the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and contribute to the realisation of a strong, prosperous, and well-developed India," he said.
The vice president advised students to use technology for personal growth and to empower society.
"Fields such as artificial intelligence and data science are redefining the possibilities and opening new avenues for growth and innovation. I encourage you to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility," he said.
Radhakrishnan said that the specialised research opportunities provided by the university demonstrate its commitment to reviving and promoting India's traditional intellectual heritage.
"I am also informed that the university actively maintains a culture of sports and fitness as part of the Fit India movement. It has established a vision to provide world-class education and build proper talent," he said.
Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary were among those present at the function.
Later in the day, the vice president visited Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram in the district, the spot from where Mahatma Gandhi led the ‘Champaran Satyagraha’.
Radhakrishnan also went to the museum in the ashram.
He then visited Charkha Park and the Mahatma Gandhi Satyagraha Smarak in Motihari, where he paid homage to the Father of the Nation.