Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan graced the 11th Convocation of the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) at Thiruvarur on August 17, 2026, addressing 1,103 graduating students. He emphasized that education must transcend examinations and marks to focus on developing independent thinking, effective communication, collaborative work abilities, and lifelong learning skills. The Vice President commended CUTN for its emphasis on multidisciplinary education, research, innovation, and value-based learning.
He referenced the recently passed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, stressing the paramount importance of preventing unfair means in examinations and protecting student interests. Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Jharkhand, he noted that a similar bill was passed and signed into law during his tenure, emphasizing that "bad elements in society must be punished to protect the interests of good people."
The Vice President urged graduates to become "creators rather than consumers of knowledge, innovators rather than imitators, and leaders rather than followers." He highlighted India's progress toward the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and encouraged youth to prioritize "Nation First - Rashtra Pratham" in their actions.
Addressing social issues, the Vice President called on police and security agencies to take strict action against drug peddlers and those spreading drug abuse, noting that drug abuse destroys individual lives and adversely affects families and society. He reiterated his appeal to students to "Say No to Drugs" and encourage friends to avoid substance abuse.
The convocation saw 1,103 graduates receive degrees, including 50 Gold Medallists who distinguished themselves through academic excellence. Women represented the majority of graduates with 616 female students and secured 37 of the 50 Gold Medals, reflecting a trend the Vice President described as a "welcome development" in higher education expansion over the past twelve years.
Other dignitaries present included Tamil Nadu Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Lok Sabha MP Thiru V. Selvaraj (Nagapattinam), Chancellor Prof. G. Padmanabhan, and Vice-Chancellor Senior Prof. Sulochana Shekhar, along with faculty members and parents.