Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, laid the foundation stone for infrastructure development projects worth ₹110 crore at Gauhati University, which includes a new multidisciplinary academic building, a new boys’ and international students’ hostel, and works related to the auditorium and library. Gauhati University, established on January 26, 1948, is the first university in Northeast India and has NAAC A+ accreditation with a 9th rank among State Public Universities in NIRF 2025. The Vice President released two books: 'Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs' edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta, and the 5th revised and enlarged edition of 'Chandrakanta Abhidhan'. He emphasized the importance of linguistic heritage and cultural unity, particularly through Assamese-Tamil literary translations, and appreciated the university's research on the Brahmaputra Basin, endangered languages, multilingualism, women’s studies, environmental sustainability, and Indian Knowledge Systems. Highlighting the expansion of India’s higher education ecosystem since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he noted the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIITs, Central Universities, AIIMS, and other institutions, and cited a 42.2% rise in women’s enrolment in higher education from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24. He praised Assam’s development trajectory under Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, including improved education performance, the commencement of the first MBA batch at IIM Guwahati, and over 1.64 lakh merit-based government appointments since 2021. The Vice President urged students and scholars to contribute to Viksit Bharat @2047 by dreaming boldly, pursuing research addressing community challenges, ensuring technology serves humanity, and making innovation inclusive. He led a 'No to Drugs' pledge, advising youth to avoid substance abuse, exercise self-discipline, manage time wisely, and limit excessive social media use. The event was attended by Governor of Assam Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Vice-Chancellor Shri Nani Gopal Mahanta, Registrar Prof. Utpal Sarma, faculty members, students, and other dignitaries, and included a cultural programme showcasing Assam’s rich heritage.