Dimapur: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday urged the youth of Nagaland to adapt to change and prepare themselves for opportunities in a rapidly evolving global environment while addressing the 8th convocation of Nagaland University at its headquarters in Lumami, Zunheboto district.
Delivering the convocation address as the chief guest, the Vice-President told graduating students that a convocation marks the beginning of a new journey rather than the end of their academic pursuits. He encouraged them to set clear goals and move forward with determination instead of comparing themselves with others, noting that every individual possesses unique abilities and strengths.
Emphasising the importance of national participation, he called upon the youth of Nagaland to actively engage in national services and competitive examinations. He particularly urged students from the state to appear in greater numbers for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations and contribute to the nation through public service.
Highlighting India’s diversity, Radhakrishnan said the country remains united by shared ideals and values. He added that unity continues to be the nation’s greatest strength and observed that the vision of a Viksit Nagaland would play an important role in achieving the broader goal of a Viksit Bharat.
The Vice-President also stressed the need for inclusive development, respect for differences within a democratic framework and the importance of maintaining peace to ensure sustained progress.
Expressing happiness at visiting Nagaland for the first time, he praised the state’s rich culture and the resilience of its people, describing Nagaland as a place where nature, culture and courage blend in remarkable harmony.
Referring to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement, he said peace, dialogue and mutual respect are essential for the overall development and stability of the region.
Radhakrishnan also lauded Nagaland University for its contributions to higher education and research in the Northeast. He said the institution has steadily expanded its academic reach and continues to play an important role in making quality education accessible to students across the region.
He highlighted several achievements of the university, including the establishment of a cancer research laboratory and initiatives to preserve and document indigenous Naga languages and customary laws, describing these efforts as vital to safeguarding the region’s cultural heritage.
During the convocation ceremony, the Vice-President conferred degrees and presented gold medals to meritorious students. A total of 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduate students, 846 graduates from professional programmes and 5,106 undergraduate students received their degrees.
In recognition of outstanding academic performance, 54 gold medals were awarded to students across various disciplines.