The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) and emphasized the importance of nation-building, highlighting the need for students to prioritize national interest.
The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu near Chennai on 16 AUG 2026. During his speech, he emphasized the importance of nation-building and urged the graduating students to prioritize national interest.
Shri Radhakrishnan began by stating that a convocation is more than just the awarding of degrees; it celebrates years of perseverance, discipline, and learning while marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of responsibility and service. He appreciated SRMIST for creating an academic ecosystem that promotes interdisciplinary learning, creativity, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking.
The Vice President highlighted the institution’s growing focus on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, semiconductor research, robotics, biotechnology, and sustainable development. He noted these fields would shape future economies and societies.
Shri Radhakrishnan appreciated SRMIST’s emphasis on translating research into practical solutions that improve lives, strengthen industry, and contribute to sustainable development. He said that research achieves its highest purpose when it serves society.
The Vice President also commended India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stated that India provided vaccines to more than 100 countries and did not seek to commercialise the humanitarian assistance.
Shri Radhakrishnan highlighted the expansion of higher education in the country since 2014, stating that 16 IIITs, 8 Central Universities, 8 IIMs, 7 IITs, 2 IISERs, 1 NIT, and 12 AIIMS have been established during this period. He also noted that Bharat today has more than 1,425 universities, 54,000 colleges, and 16,850 standalone institutions.
Shri Radhakrishnan highlighted the substantial increase in women’s enrolment in higher education, from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, an increase of 42.2 per cent. He said the increasing number of women receiving degrees and medals at convocation ceremonies was a welcome development.
The Vice President urged graduates to make ‘Nation First – Rashtra Pratham’ their guiding principle. He called upon them to use their knowledge, innovation, and hard work to contribute to the progress, security, and prosperity of Bharat. He urged them to uphold constitutional values, respect diversity, strengthen national unity, and place the larger national interest above narrow self-interest.
In his concluding remarks, the Vice President urged graduates to carry with them the timeless Indian values of Gyaan (Knowledge), Kartavya (Duty), Karuna (Compassion) and Seva (Service).
Source:
Press Information Bureau
