Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday, April 25, delivered a powerful call to action at the 35th Convocation of the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, urging graduating students to rise beyond being job-seekers and instead become job creators, innovators, and nation-builders. Addressing hundreds of graduates as the chief guest, he framed education not as a personal achievement but as a national responsibility.

Rajasthan's Heritage Meets the Ambition of a New India

Opening his address, Vice-President Radhakrishnan described Rajasthan as a land defined by rich heritage, bravery, and cultural depth, calling Jaipur a living symbol of tradition coexisting with progress. He noted that the University of Rajasthan, one of India's oldest and most storied institutions, has consistently produced thinkers, leaders, and change-makers who serve society with knowledge and integrity.

He told graduates that a convocation ceremony represents both a conclusion and a fresh beginning — the end of formal education and the start of real-world contribution. "The true value of education," he said, "lies not in the degree itself but in how it is applied — for innovation, ethical conduct, and the betterment of society."

Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Call for Youth-Led Employment

Invoking the twin national visions of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Viksit Bharat (Developed India), the Vice-President urged students to see themselves as employment generators, not passive participants in the job market. This message carries particular weight given that India's youth unemployment rate, according to recent International Labour Organization data, remains a structural challenge despite overall economic growth.

He also commended the Rajasthan government under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for its efforts in creating opportunities for young people in the state — a nod to the BJP-led administration's youth-focused policy agenda since coming to power in late 2023.

Women's Empowerment at the Forefront

One of the most emphatic sections of the Vice-President's address focused on women's empowerment. He expressed visible pride in highlighting that a majority of gold medal recipients at the university in recent years have been women — a trend mirrored across several Indian universities and seen as a sign of shifting gender dynamics in higher education.

Radhakrishnan stressed that a truly developed nation cannot be built without ensuring equal opportunity, dignity, and leadership roles for women. He expressed hope that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — the landmark women's reservation bill that reserves 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women — would meaningfully enhance female representation in legislative bodies once implemented.

This comes amid ongoing national debate about the timeline for delimitation, which is a prerequisite for the law to take effect, making his remarks both timely and politically significant.

Ethics, Empathy, and the Dangers of the Digital Age

Addressing the complexities of a rapidly evolving world, the Vice-President urged graduates to think critically, act ethically, and embrace lifelong learning. He delivered a memorable line that encapsulated his broader message: "Excellence without empathy and achievement without humility are incomplete."

He also issued a direct advisory to students on personal conduct — urging them to respect diversity, stay away from drugs, and use social media constructively. The warning about social media reflects a growing concern among policymakers about misinformation, mental health impacts, and the misuse of digital platforms among India's youth demographic.

Dignitaries Present and Institutional Significance

The convocation was attended by several senior dignitaries, including Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, Rajya Sabha MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, and Vice-Chancellor Alpana Kateja. The presence of such high-ranking officials underscored the institutional importance of the University of Rajasthan, established in 1947 and one of the oldest central universities in western India.

The 35th convocation is a milestone moment for the university as it navigates a rapidly changing academic landscape, balancing its legacy with demands for modern, industry-relevant education. As India pushes toward its 2047 Viksit Bharat centenary goal, the role of universities in producing entrepreneurially-minded, ethically grounded graduates will only grow more critical in the years ahead.