Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday said the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded high priority to the development of the Northeast and called upon young people to stay away from drugs and contribute to building a healthy and developed India.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of Geetanagar College, formerly known as Kanya Mahavidyalaya, in Guwahati, V-P Radhakrishnan also inaugurated the institution’s new academic building.
Congratulating the college on completing 50 years, the Vice President said the institution had made a significant contribution to Assam’s educational and social development, particularly by empowering generations of young women through education and knowledge.
Highlighting Assam’s rich cultural heritage, V-P Radhakrishnan said the state has made a distinctive contribution to India’s cultural landscape through its languages, literature, music, dance, theatre and indigenous traditions. He also recalled the valour of Lachit Borphukan, describing his legacy as an enduring symbol of Assam’s courage and commitment to protecting its heritage.
V-P Radhakrishnan said PM Modi had placed strong emphasis on the growth of the Northeast and noted that Assam’s natural resources, forests and globally renowned tea industry offered immense potential for development.
He said higher education institutions should go beyond preparing students for careers and focus on nurturing responsible citizens committed to democratic and constitutional values, social responsibility and nation-building.
The Vice President led students and other participants in taking a ‘No to Drugs’ pledge, urging young people to stay away from substance abuse and encourage their peers to make similar choices. He said students must protect their time, health and future by making responsible decisions.
V-P Radhakrishnan said India’s young population was its greatest strength and that emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technology, biotechnology, space research and entrepreneurship could enable the country’s youth to play a leading role in building a developed India.
He also appreciated the progress made by Assam under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, saying the state was witnessing a significant phase of development and transformation. He highlighted investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment and disaster management, besides initiatives aimed at the development of tea-garden communities.
The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Commissioner and Secretary of the Higher Education Department Narayan Konwar, Geetanagar College Principal Satyajit Kalita and other dignitaries.
V-P Radhakrishnan arrived in Guwahati on Sunday morning and was received at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport by the Assam Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries.
The Vice President is on a four-day visit to Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh from September 6 to 9. During his Assam visit, he is also scheduled to attend the convocation ceremony of Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences in Guwahati and programmes at Gauhati University.
