The 75th-anniversary celebration of KPB Hinduja College in Mumbai became a momentous occasion as Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressed a gathering of distinguished guests, faculty, and students, highlighting the critical role of education in nation-building. The event, graced by esteemed personalities, reflected on the institution’s journey while laying out a vision for its future.
In his speech, the Vice President acknowledged the contributions of several key figures, including Shri Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Foundation, and Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra. He also praised the faculty for their dedication, noting the college’s impressive academic achievements and its strong foundation in value-based education. The Vice President fondly recalled his personal academic journey, offering words of encouragement to students, urging them to embrace continuous learning and strive for excellence without undue stress.
A major highlight of his address was the announcement of a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and the institution, aimed at exposing students to global events and thought leadership. This initiative, he emphasized, would pave the way for intellectual collaborations and knowledge exchange, enhancing the institution’s global footprint.
Reflecting on India’s rich academic heritage, Shri Dhankhar invoked the glory of ancient institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila, urging the need to reclaim India’s educational leadership on the world stage. He called upon corporate leaders and philanthropists to contribute to education, not just as charity but as an investment in the nation’s future. He particularly emphasized the importance of fostering research that drives real-world transformation rather than remaining confined to academic repositories.
He also highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships in education, urging corporations to adopt aspirational blocks across rural India to improve educational infrastructure. This, he argued, would bridge the urban-rural divide and empower the next generation with knowledge and skills suited for emerging global challenges.
The Vice President lauded the Hinduja Group’s commitment to education and philanthropy, recognizing its role in fostering institutions that preserve and promote Indian culture. He acknowledged initiatives like the Dharam Hinduja Indic Research Centre at Columbia University, which play a vital role in presenting India’s heritage authentically on the global stage.
As the college steps into its next phase, Shri Dhankhar encouraged faculty, students, and alumni to work collectively toward making KPB Hinduja College a globally recognized institution. He expressed confidence that with the dedication of all stakeholders, the institution would achieve greater milestones, evolving into a center of academic excellence.
The event concluded on a note of celebration and inspiration, with the Vice President extending his heartfelt congratulations to the Hinduja family, faculty, and students. He wished the institution continued success in the decades to come, envisioning it as a beacon of knowledge and progress for India and beyond.
