Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday urged students to make wise choices, stay away from drugs, use social media responsibly and respect their parents and teachers, saying that the choices, discipline and values of today shape the person they become tomorrow.
Addressing students at Gauhati University, Shri Radhakrishnan said, “The choices we make today, our discipline and our values shape the person we become tomorrow.”
The Vice President was speaking at a special programme at Gauhati University, where he laid the foundation stone for a Rs 110-crore infrastructure development project, marking a major expansion of the University’s academic infrastructure. The project was earlier approved by the Assam Cabinet as part of the first phase of infrastructure development at the University.
The programme was attended by Assam Governor and Chancellor of Gauhati University Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Shri Radhakrishnan spoke about Gauhati University’s rich academic legacy and its contribution to scholarship. He particularly appreciated the University’s efforts to build bridges between languages and cultures.
“Since its inception, Gauhati University has earned recognition across the world through the scholarship and academic contributions of several eminent scholars,” he said, appreciating the University’s initiatives in Assamese-Tamil linguistic and cultural exchange.
He noted that Tamil literature is being taught at the University, with Tamil literature being translated into Assamese and Assamese literature into Tamil. He also requested Tamil University to consider translating Assamese literature into Tamil, saying this would further strengthen the cultural and literary connect between Assam and Tamil Nadu.”
The Vice President also spoke of the Brahmaputra as more than a river, describing it as a symbol of a great human story and a shared civilisational heritage. He appreciated the efforts of Gauhati University and Vice Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta to create bridges between languages and cultures and take India’s linguistic diversity beyond geographical boundaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma recalled the long and challenging journey of Gauhati University and its contribution to Assam’s intellectual heritage.
“Gauhati University has travelled a long and challenging journey, built on the aspirations, sacrifices and tireless efforts of countless people of Assam. It stands today as a proud repository of the intellectual heritage of Assam, having nurtured generations of young minds who have brought laurels to the State, both across India and abroad,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the University would continue to contribute to the journey towards realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Delivering the welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahanta expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Education Minister and the Government of Assam for their continued support to the University.
He highlighted the University’s efforts to align its academic programmes and research with emerging areas of knowledge and employment. “Gauhati University is one of the leading universities in the country in implementing the National Education Policy. Keeping pace with changing times, we have undertaken several new courses and academic initiatives,” Prof. Mahanta said.
He referred to technical courses focused on the semiconductor industry and advanced laboratories for Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security and Machine Learning, as well as the GU-TERI Centre for Himalayan Studies for climate change research and new postgraduate programmes through the Centre for Performing Arts.
The University has also introduced courses related to the Tai language and undertaken initiatives to promote Assamese and Tamil languages. From August 2026, Gauhati University has become the first higher education institution in Northeast India to introduce an Undergraduate Minor Degree in Quantum Technology and a Diploma Programme in Forensic Psychology, Prof. Mahanta said.
The two programmes, he added, would help prepare students for new and emerging opportunities.
The occasion also saw the release of two significant publications by Gauhati University Press: the fifth revised and enlarged edition of Chandrakanta Abhidhan and Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Song.
As part of the programme, Registrar Prof. Utpal Sarma administered an anti-drug pledge to students and participants, drawing attention to the growing challenge of drug abuse and its devastating consequences.
The programme was attended by Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, IAS; Members of the Legislative Assembly; senior State Government officials; Academic Registrar, members of the Executive Council and Academic Council of Gauhati University; Deans of various Faculties; professors and officers; principals and teachers of affiliated colleges; distinguished guests and representatives of the media.