New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) Commending Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his groundbreaking space journey in 2025, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan expressed optimism that the youthful vigor of our nation, deeply embedded in our esteemed cultural heritage, will spearhead the advance towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

On this first day of 2026, he urged the youth of India—the guardians of the nation's future—to embrace five pledges for Bharat Mata in the New Year.

The pledges include: committing to a drug-free life; adopting technology in a responsible and ethical manner to foster innovation and inclusive development; prioritizing both physical and mental well-being by leading an active lifestyle; upholding constitutional values, integrity, and fostering social harmony; and making selfless contributions to the nation's progress.

In 2025, Operation Sindoor highlighted India's resolve to safeguard its citizens, sending a strong warning to terrorists and their backers that justice and security will prevail, and any threats to our sovereignty will be met with stringent action.

He noted that during the past year, Parliament passed significant legislation, signifying the nation's unwavering commitment to the journey towards Viksit Bharat, alongside marking notable discussions, including the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

India observed several historic milestones, including the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom; the 150th birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Vallabhbhai Patel; the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee; and the centennial celebration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as highlighted by Radhakrishnan.

He also enumerated the nation's accomplishments in the past year.

“India's progress in science, technology, and space throughout 2025 has further solidified its status as a global innovation powerhouse. Under the guidance of ISRO, the successful SPADEX mission showcased satellite docking abilities, while the LVM 3-M6 launch highlighted India’s expanding heavy-lift capabilities.”

“The journey of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station marked a pivotal moment in India's growing ambitions in human spaceflight,” he added.

“In sports, 2025 was filled with moments of national glory. Our Men’s Cricket Team clinched the ICC Champions Trophy, while the Indian Women’s Cricket Team made history by winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for the very first time. Additionally, India secured both the men’s and women’s titles at the Kho Kho World Cup,” he detailed regarding the sporting achievements.

Meanwhile, Radhakrishnan is set to embark on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu starting Friday for various events, including a university convocation, a civic reception, and a temple's Golden Jubilee in Vellore.

“On Friday, the Vice President will preside over the 34th Convocation of Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai,” noted a statement.

Later that day, Radhakrishnan will attend the Ram Nath Goenka Sahitya Samman ceremony at Taj Coromandel. In the evening, he will participate in a Public Reception at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. This will be followed by a Civic Reception hosted by the Governor of Tamil Nadu at Lok Bhavan,

On Saturday, the Vice President will join the 50th Golden Jubilee Jayanthi Celebrations of Sri Sakthi Amma at Vellore Golden Temple. In the afternoon, he will attend the 9th Siddha Day Celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam, Triplicane, Chennai.