The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today addressed the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology at Murthal, Sonipat, Haryana. The Vice President expressed his happiness at being present on the sacred land of ‘Dharma Kshetra’ Haryana.
He paid rich tributes to Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram, describing him as a towering symbol of integrity, social justice, and visionary leadership. He noted that Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram dedicated his life to uplifting farmers and marginalized communities and played a transformative role in improving their socio-economic conditions and restoring their dignity.
Highlighting his contributions, the Vice President said that his emphasis on cooperative institutions and equitable land practices laid the foundation for a resilient agricultural framework. He added that these efforts significantly contributed to Haryana’s emergence as a progressive and prosperous agricultural state, playing a crucial role in India’s food security and rural development.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Vice President expressed happiness that nearly 64 percent of the gold medal winners were women and that women constituted around 50 percent of the total graduating students. He described this as a reflection of the transformative changes brought about through women-led development in recent years.
He noted that sustained efforts through awareness campaigns and initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have significantly improved the gender ratio in Haryana, making it an encouraging example of social transformation and inclusivity.
Referring to the vision of a Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice President emphasized that the call for an Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat is a call for innovation, self-confidence, and indigenous solutions.
Recalling India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President said that when the world was grappling with the crisis, many nations and multinational pharmaceutical companies developed vaccines, with some seeking to patent them for greater profits.
He noted that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, developed vaccines and provided them free of cost to its people, while also supplying them to more than 100 countries. He said that this reflected the spirit and greatness of Bharat.
The Vice President spoke about the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Quantum Computing, and Green Technologies. He urged students to embrace these emerging fields with curiosity and responsibility and to use their knowledge as a tool for nation-building.
Expressing concern over the menace of substance abuse, the Vice President called upon the youth to firmly reject drugs and adopt a path of health, purpose, and positivity. He encouraged them to become ambassadors of a drug-free society.
Addressing the students, the Vice President said that success in life is not defined only by achievements, but also by character, integrity, and the ability to rise after failures. He said that those who endure hardships and injustice with patience ultimately emerge victorious.
He advised students to equip themselves with patience and face life’s challenges with courage and positivity. He added that Dharma cannot be defeated by Adharma. He also underlined the importance of decolonizing the mindset, stating that true education must liberate thought, instill confidence in India’s heritage, and foster pride in its intellectual traditions.
Emphasizing the importance of character and integrity, the Vice President advised students to carry forward the values imbibed during their academic journey. He urged them to strive for excellence, contribute meaningfully to society, and play their part in building a strong and developed India.
The Governor of Haryana and Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh; Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini; Cabinet Minister of Haryana, Shri Arvind Kumar Sharma; and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Shree Prakash Singh, were present on the occasion.