The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 21st Convocation Ceremony of the University of Kashmir as chief guest in Srinagar today, marking his first-ever visit to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as the Vice-President of India.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Vice-President observed that while universities may be known for infrastructure and academic excellence, their true legacy is reflected in the character and contributions of their graduates. 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.
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. Addressing the students, he noted that they are graduating in a rapidly changing world and reminded them that “change is the only constant.”
He urged them to continuously adapt, equip themselves with new skills, and embrace innovation. Emphasising that India is emerging as an innovator of technology, he encouraged the youth to pursue Swadeshi innovations aligned with national priorities and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 .
Highlighting development initiatives under leadership of Prime Minister Shri 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 and the Chief Minister, Srinagar would emerge as the cleanest city in the country under the Swachhta Survekshan. Recalling his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, the Vice-President shared that a delegation from Jammu & Kashmir had visited the state under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative and was warmly received.
He underlined that in a democracy, respecting the sentiments of others is as important as respecting one’s own sentiments, and such exchanges deepen national integration. In his concluding remarks, the Vice-President urged the youth to stay away from drugs and use social media responsibly.
He reminded them that life will test their patience, courage and character beyond the classroom. Ending his address on a note of unity and belonging, he said, “Yah na mera Kashmir hai, na tumhara Kashmir hai yah hum sabka Kashmir hai.”
The ceremony was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha; the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah; the Minister for Higher Education, J&K, Ms. Sakeena Masood Itoo; the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan; senior faculty members, distinguished guests, parents and graduating students .