Shun substance abuse, use tech for nation-building: VP

Patna: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday urged students to adopt the guiding principle of “Nation First” and appealed to the youth to take a firm stand against substance abuse and work towards building a healthy and strong society.

Speaking at the third convocation ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU) in Motihari in East Champaran district, he said Gandhiji’s principle of non-violence remains highly relevant in today’s world and must guide not only actions but also behaviour in the digital space.

Addressing the graduating students, he said convocation marks not the end of education but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. He emphasised in a rapidly changing world driven by technology, fields such as artificial intelligence and data science are opening new avenues of innovation and growth, and urged students to “use technology responsibly for nation-building.”

Underlining the importance of Champaran Satyagrah, Radhakrishnan said Champaran holds a special place in India’s history, as it was here Mahatma Gandhi transformed from a barrister into a mass leader rooted in India’s villages, and the Champaran Satyagraha awakened the conscience of the nation through truth, courage and justice.

Highlighting Bihar’s intellectual and spiritual heritage, he said this sacred land witnessed Gautama Buddha attaining enlightenment, the ancient Nalanda University emerging as a global centre of learning, and great thinkers like Chanakya.

He said naming the university after Mahatma Gandhi reflects a commitment to Gandhiji’s ideals of social justice, rural upliftment and ethical leadership. Radhakrishnan also recalled the contribution of Maharani Janaki Kunwar, whose philanthropy and donation of land played an important role in establishing educational institutions in the region.

The Vice-President expressed happiness the university has implemented the National Education Policy 2020 and introduced new integrated courses. He appreciated the establishment of the Indian Knowledge Systems Centre and the university’s emphasis on sports and fitness under the Fit India Movement. He also expressed happiness the university toppers in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are women students, describing it as a reflection of the progress of women-led development in the country.

Bihar governor Syed Ata Hasnain, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh, deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary, Union minister of state for coal and mines Satish Chandra Dubey, education minister Sunil Kumar, MP Radha Mohan Singh and university chancellor Mahesh Sharma, along with senior university officials, faculty members, students and their parents, were present on the occasion.