Vice President Radhakrishnan graces 3rd Convocation of SRM University in Sonepat

New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI): The Vice-President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, graced the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of SRM University in Sonepat, Haryana, as the Chief Guest on Friday, Vice President's Secretariat said in a press release.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President congratulated the graduating students and said that their degrees represent not just academic achievement but also the values, discipline, and resilience they have developed during their time at the university.
He appreciated the gurus and mentors of the students, noting that today's achievements are a reflection of their tireless guidance, support, and unwavering efforts.
The Vice-President remarked that while technical expertise and academic excellence are important, students must also carry with them something even more essential -- values and character. He underlined the importance of inculcating good habits and discipline in building character, observing that "when character is lost, everything is lost."
Radhakrishnan expressed satisfaction that Indian higher education institutions have recorded their best-ever performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 universities making the list -- positioning India as the fourth most represented country in these global rankings.
Radhakrishnan said that under the visionary leadership and foresight of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has laid down a transformative roadmap -- one that envisions multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, and research-driven growth, firmly placing India on the path to becoming a global knowledge hub.
He added that such flexibility in learning was not available earlier, and urged students to make full use of the opportunities provided by NEP 2020.
Radhakrishnan affirmed that the Viksit Bharat vision seeks inclusive and equitable growth for all. He noted that sustained government efforts through targeted scholarships, financial aid, and outreach initiatives have led to a significant rise in enrolment among marginalised communities, including SC/ST students, and that participation from rural areas and women has also seen marked improvement.
The Vice-President said that with the right education and skills, our youth can become the driving force behind a New India--an India that is innovative, inclusive, and inspired by the ideals of equity, justice, and sustainability.
The Vice-President advised students not to compare themselves with others, stating that opportunities are immense in today's world and that everyone has their own unique role to play. He said consistent and dedicated efforts yield results and help in achieving goals.
He emphasised maintaining a balanced approach in life -- neither becoming overjoyed in victory nor disheartened in failure. Failures, he said, are part and parcel of life and should be seen as experiences that strengthen mental fortitude.
The Vice-President stressed that hard work is the only key to success, and said that happiness is a state of mind. He underlined the importance of cultivating the right mindset in a world full of opportunities.
Concluding his address, the Vice President urged the students to always remember their parents, acknowledging their sacrifices and lifelong dedication toward their children's growth and success.
Krishan Lal Panwar, Minister for Panchayats and Development, Haryana; Dr T R Paarivendhar, Founder and Chancellor, SRM University, Chennai; and Dr Ravi Pachamuthu, Chancellor, SRM University, Sonepat, Prof. Paramjit Singh Jaswal, Vice- Chancellor, SRM University, Sonepat, were present during the convocation ceremony. (ANI)