Vice President addresses 9th Convocation of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh

The Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, today addressed the 9th Convocation of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh at Dharamshala.

Praising Himachal Pradesh as Dev Bhoomi and Veer Bhoomi, the Vice President said that the state has contributed significantly to the nation’s armed forces. He also commended the state for its rich hospitality, vibrant culture and enduring traditions.

Referring to India’s rich academic heritage, the Vice President said that great ancient centres of learning such as Nalanda University and Takshashila flourished because of the wisdom, scholarship and constant intellectual evolution of their teachers. The gurus and acharyas of these institutions were lifelong learners who refined their knowledge through debate, dialogue and research, creating an environment where ideas flourished and civilizations advanced. In the same spirit, he emphasised that modern universities must prioritise faculty development and encourage innovation in teaching, interdisciplinary research and global collaboration.

Appreciating the university’s initiatives towards creating a drug-free campus, he said that drugs adversely affect youth, society and the nation, and urged everyone to create greater awareness against drug abuse. He also called upon the youth to commit themselves to using their knowledge for the welfare of society, to live for the betterment of the nation, to always say “No to Drugs”, and above all to keep the nation first ‘Rashtra Pratham’.

The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, the Agriculture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Chander Kumar, the Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jai Ram Thakur, Members of Parliament Rajeev Bhardwaj and Anurag Singh Thakur, Chancellor Harmohinder Singh Bedi and Vice Chancellor Sat Prakash Bansal were present on the occasion along with faculty members, students and other dignitaries.(updated on 14th march 2026)