VP Radhakrishnan urges JNU graduates to serve nation with integrity

Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 9th Convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) today, calling upon graduates to dedicate their knowledge and skills to the service of the nation. The convocation coincided with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda , observed as National Youth Day across India, highlighting the ideals of youth empowerment and character building.

Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, the Vice-President emphasized that education should go beyond earning degrees, aiming to build character, strengthen intellect, and empower individuals to be self-reliant. He stressed that education and proper training would enable India’s youth to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 (Viksit Bharat @2047).

Shri Radhakrishnan highlighted India’s civilisational tradition of knowledge, referencing historic centers of learning like Nalanda and Takshashila . He noted that Indian scriptures and classics including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Arthashastra, and Thirukkural placed learning at the center of ethical and social life, and underlined that true education shapes conduct and character , not just academic credentials.

Stressing the need for balance in modern education, the Vice-President said modern science and traditional values must grow together to create a progressive society. Reflecting on JNU’s democratic ethos, he observed that debate, discussion, dissent, and even confrontation are essential for a healthy democracy, but such processes must ultimately lead to decisions that are collectively implemented.

The Vice-President appreciated JNU’s efforts in promoting equity and social inclusion in student admissions and faculty recruitment. He also lauded the university for expanding academic engagement into emerging and civilisational fields, including the establishment of new Centres for Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist Studies , as well as initiatives to promote Indian languages such as Tamil, Assamese, Odia, Marathi, and Kannada, aligning with the spirit of the National Education Policy .

In his message to graduates, Shri Radhakrishnan urged them to uphold three core responsibilities: intellectual honesty in the pursuit of truth, social inclusion to reduce inequalities, and active contribution to national development. He reminded students to be guided by constitutional values and India’s civilisational ethos, and to respect their parents and teachers.

Concluding his address, the Vice-President reinforced that education should empower individuals, strengthen democracy, and contribute to nation-building , reaffirming India’s unity and collective resolve to progress together .

The convocation was attended by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, JNU Chancellor Shri Kanwal Sibal, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, senior officials, faculty members, graduating students, and their families.