Ahmedabad: The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered an inspiring address at the 72nd annual convocation of Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. Urging the youth to embrace innovation and be early adopters of emerging technologies, Shri Dhankhar emphasized the role of corporates and businesses in supporting educational institutions in research and development endeavors. He stressed the importance of preparing the youth to leverage the positive aspects of disruptive technologies.
During his speech, Shri Dhankhar encouraged young citizens to hold accountable those who use disruption as a political mechanism. Recognizing the significant influence students can have on democratic governance, he also highlighted the responsibility of people’s representatives to uphold the values set by the members of the Constituent Assembly.
Hailing Gujarat as the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Vice-President drew attention to Sardar Patel’s crucial role in the integration of all States, except Jammu and Kashmir. He remarked that involving Sardar Patel in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir could have averted further issues.
Shri Dhankhar emphasized the importance of India’s civilisational ethos, noting the illustrations in the original draft of the Constitution that depict Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman in the section on Fundamental Rights. Expressing surprise that such key sections are often omitted in circulated versions, he underscored the integral role of these figures in the Constitution as framed by its architects.
During his visit to the University, the Vice-President inaugurated the Atal Kalam Centre for Extension Research & Innovation. He expressed confidence that the center would become a nerve center and epicenter of change in the nation’s research and development landscape.
The convocation ceremony was attended by the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, and other dignitaries, making it a significant event in the academic calendar.