Education – Vice President Urges Respect and Unity in Kashmir Visit
Education – Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday underscored the importance of mutual respect in a democracy, stating that understanding the sentiments of others strengthens the nation’s social fabric. Speaking during his first official visit to Kashmir, he conveyed a message of inclusivity, saying that the region belongs to every citizen of the country.
He was addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar as the chief guest, where hundreds of graduating students received their degrees in the presence of faculty members and dignitaries.
Call to Move Beyond Colonial Mindset
In his address, Radhakrishnan urged the youth to shed what he described as a lingering colonial mindset, arguing that such thinking holds back India’s progress on the global stage. He said the country has the intellectual strength and cultural foundation to lead in innovation without relying on borrowed frameworks.
Encouraging students to develop solutions grounded in Indian realities, he emphasised the value of drawing from local knowledge systems. According to him, self-belief and confidence in indigenous capabilities are essential for the country to emerge as a leader in research and development. He reminded graduates that there is no reason to feel inferior, adding that confidence in one’s roots can pave the way for global recognition.
Democracy Rooted in Mutual Respect
Highlighting the essence of democratic values, the Vice President said that respecting the feelings and beliefs of others is as important as asserting one’s own views. He shared an anecdote from his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand to illustrate the point.
Recalling an interaction under the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiative, he mentioned that a group of students from Jammu and Kashmir had visited Ranchi. Although he personally follows a vegetarian diet, he instructed officials at Raj Bhavan to serve non-vegetarian food to the visiting students, acknowledging their preferences. The gesture, he explained, was a reflection of democratic principles and cultural sensitivity.
He noted that unity is not merely about geographic integration but about emotional connection. When people engage with each other across regions, he said, bonds deepen and mutual understanding grows stronger.
Strengthening Bonds Through Education
Radhakrishnan also praised the Prime Minister’s special scholarship scheme for students from Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a meaningful step toward national integration. By enabling students to pursue higher education in institutions across different parts of the country, the programme fosters interaction among diverse communities.
He said such initiatives help build emotional ties that go beyond administrative measures. According to him, when regions remain connected through education and exchange, it naturally leads to closer relationships among people. Over time, these interactions contribute to a more cohesive and united nation.
Advice on Responsible Social Media Use
Turning his attention to the challenges faced by young people today, the Vice President cautioned students against excessive engagement with social media platforms. While acknowledging their relevance in modern life, he advised graduates to exercise restraint and discipline.
He said addiction to any platform can distract individuals from their goals and limit personal growth. Maintaining balance, he suggested, is essential for both academic success and overall well-being. Students, he added, should use digital tools wisely and avoid letting them dominate their daily routines.
The convocation ceremony concluded with applause as graduates celebrated their academic achievements. Radhakrishnan’s address combined themes of democratic values, cultural respect, and educational empowerment, reflecting a broader message of unity during his maiden visit to the region.