Guwahati: Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday highlighted the transformative role of education and healthcare in nation-building while urging India’s youth to lead disciplined, responsible and socially conscious lives during his engagements in Guwahati.
During his visit, the Vice-President attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Geetanagar College, formerly known as Kanya Mahavidyalaya, and inaugurated the institution’s new academic building. He also addressed the convocation ceremony of Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences (SSUHS), where he presented the Dr. John Berry White Award for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Congratulating Geetanagar College on completing 50 years, Radhakrishnan praised its contribution to higher education and particularly to the empowerment of generations of young women through education, knowledge and confidence.
Describing Assam as a land of rich cultural heritage, he highlighted the State’s contribution to India’s cultural identity through its languages, literature, music, dance, theatre and indigenous traditions. He also recalled the valour of Lachit Barphukan, describing his legacy as an enduring source of inspiration.
The Vice-President said the North-East has received strong emphasis in the development vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted Assam’s rich natural resources, forests and globally renowned tea, and said the State is witnessing a significant phase of economic and infrastructural development.
Stressing the importance of education, Radhakrishnan said institutions of higher learning should not merely prepare students for careers but also nurture responsible citizens committed to democracy, constitutional values, social responsibility and nation-building.
He also led students and other attendees in taking a ‘No to Drugs’ pledge, urging young people to stay away from substance abuse and encourage their peers to do the same. He said India’s young population is its greatest strength and highlighted opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technology, biotechnology, space research and entrepreneurship.
Focus on healthcare and medical education
Addressing the SSUHS convocation, the Vice-President urged graduating healthcare professionals to uphold compassion, ethics and scientific excellence and dedicate their knowledge and skills to serving humanity.
He praised SSUHS for its contribution to health sciences education, research and public health, particularly its efforts to promote medical knowledge in local languages, including through the publication of an Anglo-Assamese Dictionary of Medical Science and medical textbooks in Assamese.
Radhakrishnan highlighted the expansion of India’s healthcare system under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and referred to initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat. He said more than 44 crore Ayushman cards have been issued and that the scheme has helped poor and middle-class families save an estimated ₹2 lakh crore in medical expenses.
Highlighting Assam’s progress in healthcare, he said the number of medical colleges in the State has increased from seven in 2021 to 15, with nine more under construction. He also highlighted AIIMS Guwahati, the first AIIMS in the North-East, and Assam’s three-tier cancer-care network, including the State’s first Proton Beam Therapy Centre.
The Vice-President congratulated Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Assam government for strengthening the State’s healthcare infrastructure, noting that Guwahati is increasingly attracting patients from outside Assam for advanced medical treatment.
Call for a healthy and responsible youth
Radhakrishnan called upon young people, particularly healthcare professionals, to lead healthy and disciplined lives and contribute to the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat. He also advised students to use social media constructively and ensure that it does not consume excessive amounts of their time.
He said young healthcare professionals have a crucial role to play in building a Viksit and Swasth Bharat, and wished the graduating students success in their professional careers.
The Vice-President also appreciated Assam’s recent development, referring to growth in sectors including healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment and disaster management, as well as initiatives aimed at the development of tea-garden communities.
The programmes were attended by Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Medical Education and Research Minister Shri Ashok Singhal, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Higher Education Commissioner and Secretary Shri Narayan Konwar, SSUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr. Anup Kumar Barman, Geetanagar College Principal Dr. Satyajit Kalita and other dignitaries.
Radhakrishnan is on a four-day visit to Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh from September 6 to 9. During his Assam visit, he is also scheduled to attend programmes at Gauhati University.
