Vice-President calls for research-oriented education

Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan (centre) unveiling the plaque for a research park at Kongu Engineering College at Perundurai in Erode on Saturday. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (third left) and Judge of Supreme Court of India Justice M.M. Sundresh (third right) are also seen. | Photo Credit: M. GOVARTHAN Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday (August 29) stressed the need to move from degree-oriented education to research-based learning, saying research and innovation were vital to addressing social challenges and bringing about meaningful transformation.Addressing the Founder’s Day celebrations of the Kongu Vellalar Institute of Technology Trust, he said higher education and research, particularly their impact on society, were key to the country’s progress. He unveiled a plaque for the ₹100-crore research park, ‘Arivukoodam’, to be established on the premises of Kongu Engineering College.Mr. Radhakrishnan urged students to continually strengthen their knowledge and skills in science and technology in view of the rapid emergence of new technologies. They should recognise that change was inevitable and equip themselves to adapt to it, he said.“Problems are endless. If we solve one problem, another will emerge. We must face problems without becoming lethargic and remain calm. For this, we need to practise yoga,” he said. He asked students to look beyond obtaining degrees and develop research and innovation capabilities that could benefit society. The contribution of higher education and research should be assessed by its impact on society, he said.The Kongu region was known for its tradition of hospitality and welcoming people, Mr. Radhakrishnan said. He recalled the institution’s contribution to providing scientific and technical education at a time when the number of graduates was limited.Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the world had remained virtually paralysed for nearly two years as countries struggled to respond to the crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called upon Indian scientists to develop a vaccine, resulting in India developing its own COVID-19 vaccine, he said. India provided free vaccination to its population of about 140 crore and supplied free vaccines to 100 poorer countries, he said. “We want humanity to live together, world peace and nations to grow together,” he added.Mr. Radhakrishnan said India’s emergence as the world’s fifth-largest economy was a significant achievement. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said India should aspire to become the leading power in the world. He also said 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty over the past 12 years, describing it as a major achievement of the Narendra Modi government.Speaking on the occasion, Governor of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said the institution had built a strong legacy reflecting the region’s people, culture, heritage and educational traditions. Its history would serve as a foundation for future progress, he said.India had been a major centre of education for thousands of years and was fortunate to have preserved its cultural and educational heritage, Mr. Arlekar said. The National Education Policy, adopted in 2020, provided direction for advancing education in the interests of students and future generations. The younger generation had a strong educational foundation and should not be discouraged by isolated incidents, he said. The youth represented the country’s culture and heritage and were its pillars. Educational institutions imparting knowledge and values should serve as a guiding force for society, he added.Supreme Court judge M.M. Sundresh said Mr. Radhakrishnan’s participation in the function was a matter of pride. It was a “double honour” that he was not only a Tamil but also a person from the region, he said. Quoting poet Kannadasan’s words that “when office comes, responsibility should follow”, Justice Sundresh said Mr. Radhakrishnan exemplified the sentiment. He also described him as an example of Thiruvalluvar’s principle that those holding office should remain simple and humble. “Even after attaining high office, Mr. Radhakrishnan has remained unchanged in his simplicity and values. These qualities have brought him to this position,” he said.Padma awardees S.K.M. Maeilanandhan and K.R. Palaniswamy were felicitated for their contributions, achievements and services. Memoranda of understanding signed with research and development partners for the research park were also exchanged at the event.Trust president C. Devarajan welcomed the gathering. District Collector S. Kandasamy, trust secretary R.R. Sathiyamurthi, office-bearers, foreign delegates, faculty members and students were present. Published - August 29, 2026 09:06 pm IST