Youth Have Key Role In Viksit Bharat Journey: Vice-President
Radhakrishnan said research achieved its highest purpose when it served society. He urged graduates to use their knowledge and innovation to improve lives and contribute to the welfare of humanity.
VIJAYAWADA: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan has said the youth have a defining role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047 and urged graduates to make “Nation First – Rashtra Pratham” their guiding principle.
Addressing the 22nd Convocation-2026 of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at its Kattankulathur campus, Radhakrishnan said research achieved its highest purpose when it served society. He urged graduates to use their knowledge and innovation to improve lives and contribute to the welfare of humanity.
He also called upon them to uphold constitutional values, respect diversity, strengthen national unity and place the larger national interest above narrow self-interest.
As many as 11,684 graduates were eligible for degrees this year under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology across SRMIST campuses. At Kattankulathur and Vadapalani, 8,084 degrees were conferred, including 7,926 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and 158 PhDs. A total of 147 rank medallists were honoured for securing first, second and third ranks.
Radhakrishnan also unveiled a 32-foot statue of Founder Chancellor Dr T. R. Paarivendhar at the Vendhar Museum.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said graduates were the country’s future and urged them to use their knowledge, technology and learning in the interests of society and the nation.
Mahindra & Mahindra President (Automotive Business) R. Velusamy received an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) for his contribution to the automotive and mobility sector. He said India should lead rather than merely follow the world.
SRMIST Vice-Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan highlighted the institution’s academic, research and innovation achievements and said the upcoming Electronic Cooling Centre would support India’s AI, semiconductor and electric mobility ambitions through advanced thermal-management technologies. He also administered an anti-drug pledge to graduates and students.
