The Vice-President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, addressed the 9th Convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, congratulating graduating students and urging them to dedicate their knowledge and skills to nation-building and public service.

Recalling the teachings of Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, Shri Radhakrishnan said education must transcend the mere acquisition of degrees and focus on building character, strengthening intellect and enabling individuals to become self-reliant. He emphasised that quality education and proper training are central to empowering India’s youth to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Highlighting the need for a balanced approach, the Vice-President said modern scientific advancement and traditional values should progress together. Referring to JNU’s democratic ethos, he noted that debate, discussion, dissent and even confrontation are integral to a healthy democracy. However, he stressed that these processes must eventually lead to conclusions, followed by collective cooperation in implementing decisions to ensure effective governance and administration.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan said it was a privilege to attend the convocation in the presence of the Vice-President. He congratulated the students receiving degrees and medals and said that JNU has, over decades, built a strong legacy of academic excellence. He noted that the university continues to remain among the country’s premier institutions by upholding academic autonomy within a vibrant interdisciplinary environment rooted in critical thinking.

Pradhan called upon graduating students to uphold JNU’s legacy of inclusivity, social justice and social responsibility, and to serve as voices for the marginalised. He said JNU graduates would play a decisive role in nation-building—whether through innovation and entrepreneurship, shaping intellectual discourse as writers and journalists, or contributing as thought leaders—towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University Kanwal Sibal, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, senior officials, faculty members, graduating students and their families were present at the event.