Dharamsala, March 14 (NationPress) Commending Himachal Pradesh as the 'Dev Bhoomi' (Land of the Gods) and 'Veer Bhoomi' (Land of the Brave), Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan remarked on Saturday that the state has made a substantial contribution to the nation’s armed forces.

Speaking at the ninth convocation of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, the Vice-President praised the state for its exceptional hospitality, rich culture, and deep-rooted traditions.

Mentioning India’s illustrious academic legacy, Vice-President Radhakrishnan noted how ancient centers of learning like Nalanda and Takshashila thrived due to the wisdom, scholarly prowess, and continuous intellectual growth of their educators.

"The gurus and acharyas of these historic institutions were lifelong learners, who enhanced their knowledge through discourse, dialogue, and research, thereby creating a fertile environment for ideas to blossom and civilizations to thrive," he stated.

In this vein, the Vice-President highlighted the importance of modern universities focusing on faculty development and fostering innovation in pedagogy, interdisciplinary research, and global partnerships.

He acknowledged that the Central University of Himachal Pradesh is actively adopting the National Education Policy, 2020, and has introduced courses related to Indian knowledge systems and traditions, thus nurturing a new educational ethos with a fresh outlook.

He lauded the university's efforts to translate various works into Dogri and convert Hindi literature into Punjabi, asserting that its focus on 'Swadeshi Chintan' and Indian research methodologies signifies a revitalized confidence in India’s intellectual heritage.

The Vice-President urged for increased collaboration between Central and state higher education institutions.

Such collaborations through joint research, shared faculty expertise, digital resources, and academic exchanges, he argued, can cultivate a broader learning community that benefits students and scholars alike, and contribute to building a globally competitive higher education framework for a 'Viksit Bharat'.

He noted that initiatives like 'Startup India' and 'Make in India' have created new opportunities for young innovators.

The Vice-President praised the university for fostering innovation among the youth and for its "Community Lab" initiative, which allows students and faculty to engage with local communities, strengthening outreach and helping students grasp the realities of rural India.

Referring to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047', the Vice-President emphasized that realizing the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by the 100th anniversary of Independence necessitates economic growth, social inclusion, technological progress, environmental sustainability, and ethical leadership.

He expressed that students and youth are pivotal stakeholders in achieving this vision.

He reiterated that the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' must be grounded in inclusive development, ensuring that no state or community is left behind.

Commending the university's initiatives to create a drug-free campus, the Vice-President pointed out that drugs have a detrimental impact on youth, society, and the nation, and urged everyone to raise awareness against substance abuse.

He also called upon the youth to dedicate themselves to utilizing their knowledge for societal welfare, to live for the nation's betterment, to consistently say "No to Drugs", and to prioritize the nation above all else ('Rashtra Pratham').

During the convocation, over 700 outstanding students received degrees and medals, with a significant majority being women.

Out of 32 gold medalists, 23 were young women, which reflects the increasing empowerment and contribution of women to the nation's advancement.