Posted On:
11 NOV 2026 3:54PM by PIB Delhi
Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today attended the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Alumni Meet of V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, as the Chief Guest. The college is his alma mater, where he studied from 1975 to 1978.
He paid floral tributes to the statue of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai on the college campus and inaugurated a commemorative arch marking the institution’s 75th anniversary. He also visited his former classroom and interacted with his classmates from the 1975–78 batch, fondly recalling his college days.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President recalled how the college, its teachers and the personalities he encountered there shaped his outlook and prepared him for greater responsibilities. He fondly remembered his teachers’ lessons, campus life and the values he imbibed during his student years.
Recalling the Emergency, he spoke about his participation in the movement against it while studying at the college. He also recalled mobilising funds to support the families of those who had been imprisoned during the period.
Paying tribute to V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, he highlighted the freedom fighter’s immense sacrifices, his commitment to workers’ welfare and his enduring contribution to the freedom struggle.
Emphasising national unity, the Vice-President said India’s strength as a united nation safeguards the language, culture and identity of its diverse communities, including Tamil culture. He urged students to strengthen national consciousness while taking pride in their mother tongue. He also encouraged them to learn multiple languages and take Tamil to the global stage.
Highlighting the importance of education in nation-building, he referred to the expansion of higher education institutions across the country and called upon the college to preserve its legacy while embracing new technologies, scientific research and emerging disciplines to make quality education accessible to all sections of society.
He urged young people to develop self-discipline, stay away from drugs and other harmful habits, and contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The Vice-President expressed happiness at witnessing the growth of his alma mater and said the Platinum Jubilee should mark a new beginning towards greater achievements.
Tamil Nadu Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, College Secretary Shri A.P.C.V. Chockalingam, Principal Dr. C. Veerabagu, Alumni Association President Shri A.V. Murugesan, college administrators, faculty members, alumni and students were present.
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