National News ( 8 September 2026): Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth ₹110 crore at Gauhati University, underlining the importance of strengthening higher education, research, innovation and youth development in the Northeast.
The projects include a new multidisciplinary academic building, a boys’ hostel and an international students’ hostel, along with infrastructure works related to the university’s auditorium and library.
Addressing students, faculty members, scholars and other dignitaries at the university, the Vice-President highlighted Gauhati University’s historic contribution to higher education in the Northeast. Established on January 26, 1948, the university was the first university to be established in the region following a sustained public movement led by prominent leaders, including Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi.
Over the decades, Gauhati University has developed into one of the region’s leading centres of higher education and research. Radhakrishnan noted that the institution has received NAAC A+ accreditation and secured the 9th position among State Public Universities in the NIRF 2025 rankings.
Vice-President Highlights Importance of India’s Linguistic Heritage
Radhakrishnan also appreciated Gauhati University’s efforts to promote and preserve India’s linguistic and literary heritage. He said languages carry the collective memory, knowledge, identity and cultural experiences of civilisations.
Welcoming the university’s initiative to facilitate translations between Assamese and Tamil literature, he said such exchanges strengthen the cultural connections between different parts of India. He encouraged universities and academic institutions to promote greater literary and scholarly interaction between Assam and Tamil Nadu.
The Vice-President emphasised that India’s linguistic diversity should be viewed as a source of strength and cultural unity rather than division.
Focus on Brahmaputra Research and Indian Knowledge Systems
Highlighting Gauhati University’s research activities, Radhakrishnan praised the institution for undertaking studies in areas including the Brahmaputra Basin, endangered languages, multilingualism, women’s studies, environmental sustainability and Indian Knowledge Systems.
He described the Brahmaputra as more than just a river, calling it an important ecological, economic and civilisational force for the region. He stressed that research undertaken by universities should address challenges affecting local communities while also contributing to solutions for wider national concerns.
The Vice-President urged students and researchers to focus on innovation that has a meaningful social impact and to ensure that advances in science and technology remain aligned with human welfare.
Higher Education Opportunities Have Expanded Since 2014
Speaking about the transformation of India’s higher education landscape, Radhakrishnan highlighted the expansion of educational opportunities across the country since 2014.
He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with facilitating the establishment and expansion of institutions such as IITs, IIMs, IIITs, Central Universities and AIIMS, among others.
The Vice-President also pointed to the growing participation of women in higher education. According to the figures cited by him, female enrolment increased by 42.2 per cent, rising from 1.57 crore students in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24.
He described the rise in women’s participation and academic achievements as an important indicator of empowerment and progress.
Assam’s Progress in Education, Infrastructure and Employment Lauded
Radhakrishnan also praised Assam’s development trajectory, particularly in infrastructure, connectivity, education, investment and employment.
He appreciated the state government’s efforts under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and highlighted improvements in Assam’s education sector.
The Vice-President also mentioned the commencement of the first MBA batch at IIM Guwahati and noted that more than 1.64 lakh merit-based government appointments have been made in Assam since 2021.
According to him, improvements in education and employment opportunities are important components of the state’s broader development journey.
Youth Urged to Stay Away from Drugs and Use Time Wisely
A significant focus of the Vice-President’s address was on youth and their responsibilities towards society and the nation.
Radhakrishnan urged students to stay away from drugs and substance abuse, maintain self-discipline and use their time productively. He also cautioned young people against excessive use of social media and encouraged them to maintain a healthy balance between technology and real-world responsibilities.
He called upon students and scholars to contribute towards the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047 by pursuing meaningful research, developing innovative solutions and working towards inclusive growth.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he encouraged the youth to remain determined in their pursuit of their goals, saying, “Awake, arise and stop not till your goal is reached.”
Books on Bhupen Hazarika and Assamese Lexicography Released
During his visit, the Vice-President also released two significant publications.
One of the books was Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs, edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta. He also released the fifth revised and enlarged edition of Chandrakanta Abhidhan.
The publications were highlighted as important contributions to the documentation and preservation of Assam’s literary, linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Vice-President later witnessed a cultural programme presented by Gauhati University students, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of Assam.
The programme also featured the “No to Drugs” pledge, which Radhakrishnan led along with students and other participants, reinforcing the message of a drug-free and disciplined youth population.
The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta, Registrar Utpal Sarma, faculty members, students and other dignitaries.
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