Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu near Chennai, highlighting significant developments in India's higher education sector since 2014. The Vice President emphasized that strategic technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, semiconductor research, robotics, biotechnology, and sustainable development will shape future economies and societies.
A major focus was the substantial expansion of India's higher education infrastructure, with the establishment of 16 IIITs, 8 Central Universities, 8 IIMs, 7 IITs, 2 IISERs, 1 NIT, and 12 AIIMS during this period. The country currently has more than 1,425 universities, 54,000 colleges, and 16,850 standalone institutions. Women's enrollment in higher education has shown remarkable growth, increasing by 42.2% from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24.
The Vice President commended SRMIST for creating an academic ecosystem that promotes interdisciplinary learning, creativity, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking, with particular focus on translating research into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen industry. He referenced India's COVID-19 response under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, noting that India provided vaccines to more than 100 countries without seeking commercialization of humanitarian assistance.
Addressing social issues, the Vice President expressed deep pain over a recent incident in Tamil Nadu where a student was murdered for sharing information about the drug trade. He urged graduates to stay away from drugs and choose "discipline over distraction, purpose over temptation, and excellence over easy shortcuts." The Vice President administered the 'Say No to Drugs' pledge to graduates and students during the ceremony.
On the occasion, the Vice President presented an Honorary Degree Certificate to Shri R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and conferred medals, ranks, and degrees upon the graduates. The event was attended by Governor of Tamil Nadu and Keralam, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, along with SRMIST leadership including Chancellor Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar and Vice-Chancellor Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan.