Youth Have Defining Role in Viksit Bharat @2047, Says Vice President at SRMIST Convocation

The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, has called on young graduates to play a central role in India’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047, stressing the importance of research, innovation and national responsibility.

Radhakrishnan was addressing the 22nd Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), held for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Dr. T. P. Ganesan Auditorium on the institution’s Kattankulathur campus.

A total of 11,684 students across SRMIST campuses were eligible to receive degrees this year under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. At the Kattankulathur and Vadapalani campuses, 8,084 degrees were conferred, including degrees for 7,926 undergraduate and postgraduate students and 158 Ph.D. scholars.

The convocation also saw 147 students receive rank medals for securing first, second and third positions in their respective programmes.

In his address, Radhakrishnan emphasised the role of research and technological innovation in addressing societal challenges. He encouraged graduates to use their education to develop solutions that improve people's lives and contribute to wider public welfare.

The Vice President also urged the graduates to adopt the principle of “Nation First” and contribute to the country’s development while upholding constitutional values, respecting diversity and strengthening national unity.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also addressed the gathering, told the graduates that their education and technological knowledge should be directed towards the interests of society and the nation.

During his visit, Radhakrishnan also unveiled a 32-foot statue of SRMIST Founder Chancellor T. R. Paarivendhar at the Vendhar Museum. The unveiling marked the recognition of Paarivendhar’s contribution to the institution.

R. Velusamy, President of the Automotive Business at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by SRMIST. Velusamy, who has worked in the automotive and mobility sector, told the graduating students that India has the potential to develop innovations capable of influencing global markets.

SRMIST Vice Chancellor C. Muthamizhchelvan outlined the institution’s academic, research, innovation and outreach activities during the past year.

He also highlighted the institution’s planned Electronic Cooling Centre, which is intended to support research and development in thermal management. The area has growing relevance for technologies such as artificial intelligence computing, semiconductor packaging and electric vehicles, where efficient heat management is important for system performance.

The convocation also included a pledge against drug abuse, administered by the Vice Chancellor to students and graduates.

The ceremony was attended by SRMIST Founder Chancellor T. R. Paarivendhar, Pro-Chancellor (Administration) Ravi Pachamuthu, Pro-Chancellor (Academics) P. Sathyanarayanan and members of the institution’s Executive and Academic Councils.