Education as the Foundation of Viksit Bharat
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Shri Radhakrishnan said education must create strong character and moral courage, not merely academic credentials. He noted that India’s youth hold the key to realising the vision of a “Viksit Bharat @2047” envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Vice-President stressed that education combined with proper training would enable young Indians to stand on their own feet and take leadership roles in shaping the country’s future. He urged graduates to view their success not only in personal terms but also through their contribution to national progress.
India’s Civilisational Knowledge Tradition
Highlighting India’s ancient intellectual heritage, the Vice-President referred to historic centres of learning such as Nalanda and Takshashila. He said Indian civilisation has always placed knowledge at the heart of ethical and social life.
Drawing from classical texts including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Thiruvalluvar’s Thirukkural, he observed that education in the Indian tradition has consistently emphasised values, discipline and responsibility alongside intellectual excellence.
Science and Tradition Must Grow Together
Shri Radhakrishnan emphasised that modern scientific advancement and traditional values are not contradictory, but complementary. He said India’s progress depends on harmonising innovation with civilisational wisdom.
He praised Jawaharlal Nehru University for expanding academic engagement into emerging and civilisational studies, including the establishment of Centres for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist Studies under the School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies.
Democratic Debate with Responsibility
Referring to JNU’s democratic ethos, the Vice-President said debate, discussion and dissent are essential elements of a vibrant democracy. However, he cautioned that such processes must ultimately lead to decisions.
“Once a decision is taken, there must be a collective willingness to cooperate in its implementation,” he said, stressing that cooperation is vital for smooth administration and effective governance.
Inclusion, Languages and National Responsibility
The Vice-President appreciated JNU’s inclusive atmosphere and its efforts to promote equity in admissions and faculty recruitment. He also lauded initiatives aimed at strengthening Indian languages through centres and academic chairs in Tamil, Assamese, Odia, Marathi and Kannada.
He noted that knowledge creation must flourish in mother tongues, in keeping with the spirit of the National Education Policy.
A Call to the Graduating Students
In his concluding remarks, Shri Radhakrishnan urged graduates to uphold three core responsibilities — intellectual honesty in the pursuit of truth, social inclusion to reduce inequalities, and active participation in national development.
He called upon students to remain guided by constitutional values, respect their parents and teachers, and contribute positively to India’s collective journey forward. Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, JNU Chancellor Shri Kanwal Sibal, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, faculty members and families attended the convocation.
