Education Minister Pradhan urges JNU graduates to uphold social responsibility

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed graduating students at the 9th convocation ceremony of Jawaharlal Nehru University, describing their degrees as both personal milestones and a responsibility toward society.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, along with university officials and faculty members.

Pradhan congratulated students who received degrees and medals and wished them success in their future endeavors, while acknowledging JNU’s contribution to higher education in India.

He said the university has developed a strong tradition of academic excellence through sustained scholarly work over the years.

According to the minister, JNU has remained among the country’s leading institutions by promoting academic autonomy within an interdisciplinary academic environment, where critical thinking is central to learning and research.

Addressing the graduating batch, Pradhan urged students to uphold values of inclusivity, social justice, and social responsibility.

He encouraged them to raise their voices for marginalized communities and contribute to reducing inequalities.

The minister said graduates could strengthen democracy by serving in Parliament or state legislatures, contribute to nation building through government institutions, or represent India globally as strategic experts and ambassadors.

He added that others may build start-ups and unicorns through innovation and entrepreneurship or shape public opinion as writers, journalists, and thought leaders.

Pradhan said the country looks to its youth to play an active role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The minister’s visit to the JNU campus comes days after reports of some students allegedly raising provocative slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah inside the university premises.