Shed colonial mindset and focus on Swadeshi innovation: VP Radhakrishnan

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday said the nation needs to let go of its colonial mindset to emerge as a global leader in innovations.

Radhakrishnan was addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar.

“As a graduating student, I urge you all to focus on Swadeshi innovation and solutions that are rooted in Indian knowledge, resources, and needs. We need not be worried; we need not be inferior. We are to throw out our colonial mindset first,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country more vibrant and more supportive than ever before, he said.

“My best wishes to you to share the next big innovation, the next way of sustainable development, the next chapter in India’s prize as a global leader,” the vice president added.

Radhakrishnan said recently the Central Government has approved the development and expansion of the Srinagar International Airport, at an estimated cost of Rs 1600 crores. “It was mentioned by our chief minister, Omar Abdullah, that tourism is to be expanded, but it has to be expanded without affecting the ecosystem of our great state,” he said. The Chenab rail bridge across the river is a marvel, being the highest railway bridge, he added.

“There are many other infrastructure projects that send out a bigger message. These projects are more than engineering achievements. They are the instruments of social harmony. When places are connected, people are connected. And when people are connected, hearts are closely connected,” he said. The vice president said these initiatives also create new opportunities for the youth, like the ones graduating today.

“PM special scholarship schemes for students of Jammu and Kashmir act as a great opportunity, aspiration, and national integration by enabling students to study in institutions across the country,” he said.

Urging students to stay away from drugs, Radhakrishnan said, “Your parents are depending on you that you will take care of them in their old age….They want you to be successful in your life.” Every religion treats narcotics as the most sinful product, so keep away from drugs, he added.

“Advise your friends, family members, and whoever you are meeting, to stay away from drug use,” he said.

The vice president also advised the youth to be mindful of social media usage. “This has to be controlled. Social media will not help you to come out more successful in your life. Everything should have its own limits,” he said.

Radhakrishnan said he wanted to tell the students three lines: “Three lines I want to tell you. Mera Kashmir nahi, tumhara Kashmir nahi, Hamara Kashmir. That is what I want from all of you.”

Addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of the University of Kashmir, Sinha expressed happiness over the large number of female students taking top honours from the institution.

“The only priority should be country first. You should remember that when you build the country, the country builds you back. When the nation rises, so do you,” he said.

Sinha said the nation has set a goal that by 2047, India will become a developed nation.

“This is not just a dream but a goal based on realities. It will need incessant efforts. The question is whether technology becomes a tool for profits or the development of humanity,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed happiness over the large number of female students taking top honours at the convocation.

“I am happy that out of 239 gold medals, 186 are won by girls. Out of 164 PhDs, 108 are awarded to girls. This is not an ordinary statistic,” he said.

“This sends a signal that the women are not only participating but excelling; they are setting the new standards. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is stressing women’s empowerment,” he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his address to the graduating students, said peace is crucial to development, asserting that places in the Union territory that were once synonymous with conflict are now beacons of harmony.

“Development requires the oxygen of peace. My government’s primary objective is to provide you with a transparent, democratic, and stable environment,” the chief minister said, addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir here.

Referring to the Pahalgam attack, Abdullah said while the tourism sector in the Union territory is beginning to realise its true potential, it cannot rely solely on the natural beauty of resorts like Gulmarg or Pahalgam.

“We are pioneering border tourism, villages like Keran, Gurez and Teetwal — once synonymous with conflict, are now symbols of connection. We are working with the Union Government to develop nine new destinations to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the last mile,” he said.

Abdullah also urged people to protect the environment. “Our glaciers are receding, our winters are changing. That is why we are investing in sustainable infrastructure, whether it is the use of artificial snow technology to save our ski season in Gulmarg, or the promotion of eco-tents over concrete hotels,” he said.

The chief minister emphasised that tourism of tomorrow should not destroy the nature of today. “I call upon the environmental science graduates here to help us create a green standard for Kashmiri hospitality,” he said.