National News (01/09/2026): Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday called for a major shift in India’s higher education system, stressing the need to move beyond degree-oriented learning and focus on research, innovation, industry requirements and practical problem-solving.
Addressing the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology (RSET) in Kochi, the Vice President also inaugurated Confluence 3.0, an Industry-Academia Summit centred on the theme “India, Impact of AI.”
Congratulating RSET on completing 25 years, Radhakrishnan appreciated the institution’s contribution to developing not only technically skilled professionals but also individuals who have gone on to make a wider contribution to public life. He said the institution’s approach of combining technological excellence with values was particularly significant in the present era of rapid technological transformation.
Reflecting on Kerala’s achievements in literacy, social development and human capital, the Vice President highlighted the educational contributions of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and the legacy of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. He noted their pioneering efforts towards expanding access to education, promoting women’s education and adult literacy, and ensuring that poverty and hunger did not prevent people from pursuing learning.
Emphasising the rapidly changing demands of the technology-driven economy, Radhakrishnan said higher education must prepare students for the realities of the employment market. He stressed that universities and institutions cannot remain focused solely on producing graduates and must instead understand the evolving needs of industries.
The Vice President called for greater investment in research, innovation and problem-solving capabilities, while encouraging educational institutions to adopt innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary approaches.
Welcoming the Industry-Academia Summit, he said stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry would be crucial for establishing Bharat as a global hub for technology and start-ups. He also underlined the importance of responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, international academic collaborations and an education system that remains connected to Indian values.
Referring to China’s transformation over recent decades, Radhakrishnan said its development demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in higher education, research and innovation. He urged Kerala to build a stronger research-oriented academic ecosystem capable of generating new ideas, technologies and enterprises.
Addressing the issue of employment and migration, the Vice President appealed to the state leadership to focus increasingly on high-tech and knowledge-based industries. He pointed out that Kerala’s limited land availability and relatively high land costs make large-scale traditional industries more difficult to establish.
At the same time, he said the state’s strong educational foundation and highly skilled talent pool provide a significant advantage in attracting technology-intensive enterprises. Such an ecosystem, he noted, could create more employment opportunities within Kerala, reduce the need for young people to migrate elsewhere and eventually facilitate reverse migration.
The Vice President also made a strong appeal to students to stay away from drugs, urging them to “Say No to Drugs.” Recalling the advice he received from his mother during his childhood, he cautioned young people against allowing temporary pleasures to undermine their long-term dreams, aspirations and potential.
He encouraged students to make constructive use of their knowledge and capabilities and contribute not only to their own success but also to the welfare of society and humanity.
During the programme, Radhakrishnan also laid the foundation stone for the Administrative Block of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology, marking another step in the institution’s ongoing expansion and academic development.
The event was attended by Governor of Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, and Kerala Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John, along with members of the RSET management, faculty, students and other dignitaries.
The Vice President’s address underlined the growing importance of aligning higher education with industry needs, strengthening research capabilities and ensuring that India’s young population is equipped to drive technological and economic transformation.
Dear Readers and Viewers, Please note that tennews.in: National News Portal daily publishes latest and top ten news from government, politics, national, business, education, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, health etc ten categories. You may submit your e mail and subscribe it to get updates on your e mail. Please also subscribe TEN NEWS NATIONAL YouTube Channel.
Comments are closed.