Vice President’s Convocation Address at Central University of Himachal Pradesh

On March 14, 2026, the Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, delivered an inspiring address at the 9th Convocation of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh in Dharamshala. The ceremony was a celebration of academic achievement, cultural pride, and a forward-looking vision for India’s future.

🌄 Himachal Pradesh: Dev Bhoomi and Veer Bhoomi

The Vice President began by praising Himachal Pradesh as both Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Gods) and Veer Bhoomi (Land of the Brave). He highlighted the state’s immense contribution to the nation’s armed forces and commended its hospitality, vibrant culture, and enduring traditions.

📚 India’s Academic Heritage and Modern Universities

Drawing parallels with ancient centers of learning such as Nalanda and Takshashila, he emphasized that their success lay in the wisdom, scholarship, and intellectual curiosity of their teachers. These gurus were lifelong learners who thrived on debate, dialogue, and research.

In the same spirit, he urged modern universities to:

Prioritize faculty development
Encourage innovation in teaching
Promote interdisciplinary research
Strengthen global collaboration

🎓 Central University of Himachal Pradesh: NEP 2020 in Action

The Vice President lauded the university’s enthusiastic implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its focus on:

Indian Knowledge Traditions
Translation of works into Dogri and Hindi literature into Punjabi
Emphasis on Swadeshi Chintan and indigenous research methods

These initiatives, he said, reflect a renewed confidence in India’s intellectual traditions.

🤝 Collaboration for a Viksit Bharat

He stressed the importance of collaboration between Central and State universities, through:

Joint research projects
Shared faculty expertise
Digital resource sharing
Academic exchanges

Such partnerships, he noted, will help build a globally competitive higher education ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat.

🚀 Innovation, Community, and Youth Empowerment

The Vice President praised initiatives like Startup India and Make in India, which open new avenues for young innovators. He appreciated the university’s Community Lab, where students and faculty engage with nearby communities to understand rural realities and strengthen outreach.

🌍 Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

Looking ahead to India’s centenary of independence, he outlined the pillars of Viksit Bharat 2047:

Economic growth
Social inclusion
Technological advancement
Environmental sustainability
Ethical leadership

He reminded students that youth are the most important stakeholders in realizing this vision, and that development must be inclusive, leaving no state or community behind.

🚫 A Call Against Drug Abuse

Commending the university’s efforts to create a drug-free campus, he urged students to:

Say “No to Drugs”
Use knowledge for societal welfare
Live for the betterment of the nation
Keep Rashtra Pratham (Nation First) as their guiding principle

👩‍🎓 Women Leading the Way

The convocation celebrated the success of over 700 meritorious students, with women forming the majority. Of the 32 gold medalists, 23 were women, a powerful reflection of the growing empowerment and contributions of women to India’s progress.

✨ Conclusion

The Vice President’s address was not just a ceremonial speech—it was a visionary roadmap for India’s academic institutions and youth. By blending heritage with innovation, and tradition with modernity, he underscored the role of education in shaping a developed, inclusive, and empowered India by 2047.