Speaking on the role of education, the Vice-President said institutions like Mar Ivanios College demonstrate how learning goes beyond classrooms to liberate society from ignorance, inequality and social barriers. He observed that education must nurture values, empathy and civic responsibility alongside knowledge.
He further noted that when educational and spiritual institutions function in harmony with constitutional ideals, they strengthen national unity and social harmony. According to him, India’s pluralistic society requires citizens who respect diversity while remaining firmly committed to national integrity.
Youth at the Centre of Viksit Bharat @ 2047
The Vice-President said Bharat stands at a defining moment in history, with the global community increasingly looking towards India for leadership, innovation and solutions. He urged young Indians to recognise both their constitutional rights and their Fundamental Duties.
These duties, he said, include promoting scientific temper, respecting diversity and working towards unity and integrity of the nation. Emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he said the foundation of a developed India is being laid today by the aspirations and actions of the youth.
From Classrooms to Innovation Hubs
Highlighting the evolving nature of development, the Vice-President said a developed India will not emerge solely from corridors of power but from classrooms, laboratories, farms, factories, start-ups and villages. He stressed that education must remain closely connected to real-world challenges.
He said campuses should evolve into vibrant hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship. Students, he added, should aspire not only to seek employment but also to generate employment and offer indigenous solutions to societal problems.
NEP 2020 Transforming India’s Education Landscape
Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, the Vice-President said it marks a transformational shift in India’s learning ecosystem. He said the policy encourages multidisciplinary education, critical thinking, creativity and innovation while moving away from rote-based learning.
Such reforms, he noted, are essential for building Atmanirbhar Bharat, as they empower students with skills required for a rapidly changing global economy. He also highlighted the need for continuous upskilling in emerging fields.
Technology, Ethics and Social Responsibility
The Vice-President urged students to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Natural Language Processing. However, he cautioned that technological advancement must be guided by ethics, constitutional values and concern for social good.
He said innovation should ultimately serve humanity and address societal challenges rather than widen inequalities.
Kerala’s Leadership in Education
Praising Kerala’s achievements, the Vice-President said the State’s strong literacy and education indicators reflect the collective efforts of its people and institutions. He described Kerala as a model for empowering youth through inclusive and quality education.
The event was attended by Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister Shri M. B. Rajesh, MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Mayor Shri V. V. Rajesh, and Major Archbishop-Catholicos His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, among others.