Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today laid the foundation stone for ₹110 crore infrastructure development projects at Gauhati University, including a new multidisciplinary academic building, a new boys’ and international students’ hostel, and works related to the auditorium and library.
 

Addressing the gathering, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the historic significance of Gauhati University, established on January 26, 1948, as the first university in Northeast India, following a sustained public movement led by eminent leaders including Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. He noted that the University has grown into a premier institution in the region, with NAAC A+ accreditation and 9th rank among State Public Universities in NIRF 2025.

Appreciating the University’s efforts to preserve India’s linguistic heritage, he said language carries the memory, wisdom and identity of a civilisation. He welcomed the translation of Assamese and Tamil literary works into each other and encouraged greater academic and literary exchanges between Assam and Tamil Nadu, observing that India’s linguistic diversity is enriched by its cultural unity.

Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan appreciated the University’s research on the Brahmaputra Basin, endangered languages, multilingualism, women’s studies, environmental sustainability and Indian Knowledge Systems. Describing the Brahmaputra as an ecological, economic and civilisational force, he stressed the importance of research addressing both regional and national challenges.

Highlighting the expansion of India’s higher education ecosystem since 2014, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in expanding educational opportunities across the country, noting the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIITs, Central Universities, AIIMS and other institutions. He also highlighted the 42.2 per cent rise in women’s enrolment in higher education, from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, describing women’s increasing participation and academic achievements as a significant indicator of empowerment.

He appreciated Assam’s development trajectory under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, particularly in infrastructure, connectivity, education, investment and employment. He highlighted the State’s improved education performance, the commencement of the first MBA batch at IIM Guwahati and more than 1.64 lakh merit-based government appointments since 2021.

Calling upon students and scholars to contribute to Viksit Bharat @2047, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan urged them to dream boldly, pursue research addressing community challenges, ensure technology serves humanity and make innovation a vehicle for inclusive development. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he urged the youth to “Awake, arise and stop not till your goal is reached.”

On the occasion, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs, edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta, and the 5th revised and enlarged edition of Chandrakanta Abhidhan.

The Vice-President also witnessed a cultural programme presented by Gauhati University students, showcasing Assam’s rich cultural heritage. He also led students and other participants in taking the “No to Drugs” pledge, urging young people to stay away from substance abuse, exercise self-discipline, manage their time wisely and limit excessive social media use.

The programme was attended by Governor of Assam Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University Shri Nani Gopal Mahanta, Registrar Prof. Utpal Sarma, faculty members, students and other dignitaries.

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PR/ASM/VMJ