The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today participated as the Chief Guest at the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, marking 75 years of the institution’s contribution to education and nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that institutions such as Mar Ivanios College exemplify the transformative power of education, which not only imparts knowledge but also liberates society from ignorance and inequality. He observed that educational and spiritual institutions, when aligned with constitutional values, play a vital role in strengthening national unity and social harmony.
The Vice-President noted that Bharat stands at a defining moment in history, with the world looking towards India for leadership and innovation. He urged the youth to uphold not only their constitutional rights but also their Fundamental Duties, including respect for diversity, promotion of scientific temper, and commitment to national unity.
Referring to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, articulated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice-President said that the youth are not waiting for the future but are actively shaping it. He emphasised that a developed India will be built not only in corridors of power but in classrooms, laboratories, farms, factories, start-ups, and villages by the energy and aspirations of young Indians.
Emphasising the role of education in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Vice-President said that the National Education Policy 2020 marks a transformational shift towards multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, innovation, and creativity, moving away from rote learning.
Referring to India’s rapidly growing digital and innovation ecosystem, the Vice-President said that educational campuses must evolve into hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship. He urged students to aspire not only to seek employment but also to create employment and develop indigenous solutions to societal challenges.
Calling upon the youth to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Natural Language Processing, the Vice-President stressed the need to use technology responsibly, guided by ethics, constitutional values, and concern for social good.
Highlighting Kerala’s exemplary role in India’s educational and literacy landscape, the Vice-President said that the achievements of the State reflect the collective efforts of its people and institutions committed to empowering youth through education.
Governor of Kerala Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister for Local Self Government, Kerala Shri M. B. Rajesh, Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Shri V. V. Rajesh, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of Trivandrum and Patron, Mar Ivanios College, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, and other dignitaries were present.