Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday addressed the 20th Convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra, where he urged students to focus on research, innovation and India-specific technological solutions.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Vice-President said India is moving away from a colonial-era education mindset and advancing toward becoming a global technology leader. He said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has played a key role in promoting multidisciplinary learning rooted in India’s cultural and intellectual traditions.
Radhakrishnan highlighted opportunities in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, cybersecurity, sustainable manufacturing, smart mobility and agricultural innovation. He said technology should serve a clear purpose and contribute to national development.
He noted that India is shifting from being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator, supported by initiatives like Digital India, Startup India and Make in India. He encouraged graduates to convert ideas into enterprises and contribute to job creation, adding that India must move “from brain drain to brain gain.”
The Vice-President praised NIT Kurukshetra for its research output, citing the institute’s 64 patents and collaborations with DRDO and ISRO in areas such as AI-based warfare and space missions, including Chandrayaan and the Mars Orbiter Mission. He also commended its work on low-cost technologies aimed at rural development.
He said research must help bridge the urban–rural divide, strengthen MSMEs, modernize agriculture and support rural economies. Radhakrishnan added that India’s youth should aim to create global companies, stating that the next “Google, Tesla or SpaceX” should emerge from India.
The Vice-President also urged students to avoid drugs and lead disciplined lives. He said convocation marks the beginning of new responsibilities and called on graduates to contribute to society with commitment and integrity.
Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, NIT Director B.V. Ramana Reddy, and Board of Governors Chairperson Dr. Tejaswini Anantha Kumar were also present at the convocation.