Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 26: Reminding young graduates that “change is the only constant, Vice President, C P Radhakrishnan, on Thursday said that success in life depends on character and discipline.
The Vice President while addressing the 21st Convocation of the University of Kashmir here as chief guest—marking his first-ever visit to J&K after assuming office said, “World is changing rapidly and youngsters need to adapt, equip themselves with new skills, and embrace innovation.”
Emphasising that India is emerging as an innovator of technology, the Vice President, encouraged the youth to pursue Swadeshi innovations aligned with national priorities and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
He asked students to stay away from drugs and use social media in moderation. “We need to respect the sentiments of others. Success in life depends on character and discipline,” the Vice-President said, adding, “Young graduates must adapt to challenges beyond academics and remain firm in their values.”
The Vice President expressed special happiness over three significant aspects of the convocation: that the Minister for Higher Education is a woman, the Vice-Chancellor of the University is a woman, and that a majority of gold medal recipients were women. He described this as a powerful reflection of women’s empowerment and progress in Jammu & Kashmir.
He lauded the University of Kashmir, established in 1948, for its proud legacy and expanding academic footprint. He commended the University’s NAAC A++ Grade, 34th rank in the NIRF University category, over 7,700 research publications since 2019 and pioneering initiatives such as the National Himalayan Ice-Core Laboratory, which underline its growing global presence.
Addressing the students, he said, “Until now you answered questions set by your professors. From today onwards, life will set you the questions. Patience, courage and character will determine how you will respond to setbacks.”
Vice President Radhakrishnan said parents expect their children to succeed and find fulfilment in their achievements.
He urged students to work towards becoming responsible professionals and citizens.
Asking the youth to stay away from drugs and to encourage their friends and family members to do the same, he said, “There is no religion in this world which encourages narcotic and drugs.”
The Vice President also advised students to be mindful of their social media usage and avoid addiction of any kind. Time management, he said, was essential for long-term success.
Referring to his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, the Vice President recalled an interaction with students from Jammu and Kashmir who had visited the state under an exchange programme. “I had instructed officials to serve them food according to their preferences as a mark of respect,” he recalled.
“As democrats, we must respect the sentiments of all,” he said, adding that pride in one’s own traditions should not lead to disregard for others.
He said special scholarship schemes for students from Jammu and Kashmir have provided them with opportunities to study in different parts of the country. “It has integrated them with the other states,” he said, adding, “Such initiatives have built connections across regions, cultures and languages and ensured that talent is not limited by geography.”
The Vice President said, “The graduates must view their degrees as the beginning of new responsibilities and contribute to society with knowledge and commitment.”
Highlighting development initiatives under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the region, including the expansion of Srinagar International Airport and landmark infrastructure projects such as the Chenab Rail Bridge, the Vice-President said these initiatives create new opportunities and strengthen social harmony.
He expressed hope that under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Srinagar would emerge as the cleanest city in the country under the Swachhta Survekshan.
He said he was impressed by the changes taking place in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in infrastructure development and connectivity.
He appreciated the administration’s efforts to promote eco-tourism, preserve natural heritage and create livelihood opportunities for local communities, saying the initiatives have boosted tourism and contributed to peace and development in the Union Territory.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present at the convocation ceremony.
