Vice President and Delhi University Chancellor C. P. Radhakrishnan conferred degrees on over 1.2 lakh students at DU’s 102nd Convocation ceremony held in the New Delhi on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, the Vice-President described the occasion as a defining moment in the lives of the graduates, calling a degree “not just a certificate but a commitment” to serve society and uphold the principle of “Nation First – Rashtra Pratham.”
Lauding the University’s 104-year journey, he noted its remarkable transformation from a modest institution with three colleges, two faculties, eight departments, and 750 students to a vast academic network comprising 16 faculties, 86 departments, 90 colleges, 20 halls and hostels, over 30 centres and institutes, 34 libraries, and more than six lakh students. “Delhi University has indeed come a long way in its historic journey,” he remarked.
The Vice-President observed that the number of graduating students this year exceeds the population of many countries, underscoring the University’s expansive academic footprint. He praised the institution as one of India’s most distinguished centres of higher learning, which for over a century has nurtured leaders in intellectual, political, scientific and cultural spheres.
Highlighting the University’s rising academic stature, he expressed satisfaction over its consistent performance in national and global rankings, noting that it has retained the top position among Indian universities in the QS World University Rankings for four consecutive years.
Calling convocation both an ending and a beginning, the Vice-President said graduates are stepping into a rapidly transforming world shaped by technological advancements, artificial intelligence, climate challenges and evolving democratic landscapes. In such times, he said, education must translate into responsibility, integrity and service to the nation.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he said the youth will play a pivotal role in realising the goal of a developed and self-reliant India by the centenary of Independence. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, India has articulated the aspirations of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, aimed at inclusive growth, technological leadership, social harmony and accountable institutions.
“Aatmanirbharta is not isolation; it is the capacity to innovate, manufacture and create solutions rooted in Indian realities yet globally competitive,” he said, urging universities to become engines of research, entrepreneurship and indigenous knowledge systems.
Expressing particular satisfaction over the increasing participation of women in higher education, the Vice-President noted that over 50 per cent of the graduates and more than 70 per cent of the gold medallists this year are women. He also pointed out that the number of women receiving degrees exceeds that of men, describing it as a reflection of the phenomenal growth of women’s education in India.
Encouraging graduates to remain lifelong learners, he urged them to stay grounded, grateful and socially responsible. He also called upon them to say “No to Drugs” and to use social media responsibly and constructively.
The convocation ceremony was attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, faculty members, dignitaries and students, marking a significant milestone in the University’s academic calendar.
