Vice-President Highlights Youth’s Role, Lifelong Learning at Chennai Convocation

Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday addressed the 34th Convocation Ceremony of Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute in Chennai, calling upon the youth to play a critical role in building a Viksit Bharat and emphasising the importance of continuous learning in the age of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

Extending New Year greetings, the Vice-President congratulated the graduating students and said that a convocation marks the beginning of a new phase of life filled with greater responsibilities and opportunities. He expressed confidence that the graduates would contribute positively to society through professional competence, compassion and commitment.

Recalling Tamil Nadu’s historic legacy as a global centre of knowledge and maritime trade, Shri Radhakrishnan said that traders from the region carried India’s ideas, ethics and culture across continents, reflecting the country’s long-standing civilisational openness to learning and exchange.

Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 articulated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice-President said the goal could be achieved only with active participation from every citizen, especially the youth. He urged students to contribute meaningfully to nation-building through innovation, integrity and service.

Highlighting the pace of technological transformation, he said Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping all sectors, making continuous learning essential. He encouraged students to regularly upskill, adopt a lifelong learning mindset and remain engaged with new technologies, even beyond their core areas of study.

Stressing the importance of value-based education, Shri Radhakrishnan said academic excellence must be rooted in ethics, integrity and social responsibility. Advising graduates on life beyond campus, he said success and failure are integral to life and should be faced with balance, resilience and mental strength. He cautioned against shortcuts and unhealthy comparisons, and encouraged students to set clear goals and recognise their unique strengths.

Concluding his address, the Vice-President called upon the graduates to lead lives of purpose and service, contributing to both individual excellence and collective national progress.

The Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, Shri Ma. Subramanian; Chancellor of the Institute Dr. A. C. Shanmugam; and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.