The Vice President of India, Sh C.P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 8th convocation of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Sonipat, Haryana, today. Haryana Governor and Chancellor of the University Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini were also present on this occasion.
Paying tribute to Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram, the Vice President described him as a symbol of honesty, social justice and visionary leadership. He said that Chhotu Ram dedicated his life to the upliftment of farmers and the underprivileged and played a key role in their socio-economic development.
He said that Chhotu Ram’s efforts in cooperative institutions and equitable land reforms laid the foundation for a strong agricultural framework, which enabled Haryana to emerge as a prosperous agricultural state and made a significant contribution to the country’s food security.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Vice President highlighted that nearly 64% of the gold medal winners are women, and women account for almost 50% of the total graduates. He attributed this to women’s empowerment and the positive impact of initiatives like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’.
Referring to the vision of a ‘Developed India’ and a ‘Self-Reliant India’ under Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, he said this is a significant step towards innovation, confidence and indigenous solutions.Recalling India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that while many countries tried to profit from vaccine patents, India not only provided free vaccines to its citizens but also supplied vaccines to over 100 countries, demonstrating its generosity.
Discussing emerging fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, quantum computing, and green technology, the Vice President urged students to adopt these responsibly and contribute to nation-building.Expressing concern over the growing problem of substance abuse, he appealed to the youth to completely abandon drugs and embrace a healthy and positive lifestyle. He encouraged young people to become ambassadors of a drug-free society.
In his address, he said that success in life is determined not just by achievements but also by character, honesty, and the ability to overcome difficulties. He advised students to face challenges with patience and courage, emphasizing that truth always triumphs over injustice.
The Vice President stressed the need to liberate education from colonial mindsets, stating that true education teaches a person independent thinking, self-confidence and pride in Indian heritage. The event was attended by Cooperation Minister Dr Arvind Kumar Sharma and University Vice-Chancellor Sh Prakash Singh.