New Delhi | 28 Feb 2026

 Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday described young graduates as the future architects of a ‘Viksit Bharat’, and said that universities must lead the way in research, innovation and entrepreneurship that are rooted in Indian realities while remaining globally competitive. He was addressing the 102nd convocation ceremony of Delhi University, where he attended as the chief guest.

More than 1.2 lakh students were awarded degrees at the ceremony, which was presided over by DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. Radhakrishnan highlighted the growing participation of women in higher education and noted that over 70 per cent of this year’s gold medallists were women, calling it a strong indicator of India’s educational progress. According to the university, women graduates also outnumbered men this year.

Speaking on the growth of the institution, the Vice President said the university had come a long way since its early days. “Today, the university has grown to 16 faculties, 86 departments, 90 colleges, 20 halls and hostels, over 30 centres and institutes, 34 libraries and more than 6 lakh students,” he said, crediting teachers, administrators and students for this achievement. He also referred to the intense competition for admission, noting that cut-offs often touch 98 per cent and seats are filled without delay.

Calling the convocation both an ending and a beginning, Radhakrishnan reminded students of their larger responsibility in a fast-changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, climate challenges and pressure on democratic systems. He said, “your degree is not just a certificate but a commitment to humanity and to the nation”. Urging students to remain lifelong learners, stay away from narcotic drugs and work with integrity, he added that graduates would play a key role in shaping the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

The university stated that 1,20,408 students from undergraduate, postgraduate and FYUP programmes completed their courses in 2025, while around 750 PhD scholars received their doctorates. A total of 132 gold and silver medals and awards were also presented during the ceremony.

Graduates Are Builders of ‘Viksit Bharat’, Degrees Carry Responsibility to Nation: Vice President at DU Convocation

 Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday described young graduates as the key builders of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and said their education comes with a duty towards the nation and society. Addressing the 102nd convocation of Delhi University, he stressed that universities must promote research and innovation that are deeply connected to Indian needs while also meeting global standards.

More than 1.2 lakh students received their degrees at the ceremony, which was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. The Vice President highlighted the growing role of women in higher education, noting that over 70 per cent of the gold medallists this year were women. He called this a positive sign of the country’s educational progress and social change.

Speaking about the journey of the university, Radhakrishnan said DU has expanded remarkably over the years, growing from a small institution into one of the country’s largest centres of learning. He praised the collective efforts of teachers, administrators and students, and also pointed out the intense competition for admissions, with cut-offs often reaching very high levels.

Calling the convocation both an end and a new beginning, he reminded students that in a world shaped by technology and global challenges, “your degree is not just a certificate but a commitment to humanity and to the nation”. He urged graduates to keep learning throughout life, stay away from drugs and work in a way that brings pride to their families and the country, adding that they will shape the future vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.