VP Radhakrishnan Calls for Research-Led Education

• C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated Confluence 3.0, focused on AI and industry-academia collaboration.
• He called for greater emphasis on research, innovation and problem-solving in higher education.
• He urged Keralam to attract high-tech and knowledge-based industries to create local jobs.
• The Vice President appealed to students to “Say No to Drugs” and protect their aspirations.

GG News Bureau
KOCHI, 31st Aug: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday called for research-driven higher education and stronger industry-academia partnerships while addressing the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology (RSET) in Kochi.

The Vice President also inaugurated Confluence 3.0, an Industry-Academia Summit focused on the theme “India, Impact of AI”, and laid the foundation stone for the institution’s Administrative Block.

Congratulating RSET on completing 25 years, Radhakrishnan highlighted the institution’s contribution to producing technocrats and leaders while combining technological excellence with values.

He recalled the contribution of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and the legacy of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara in expanding access to education, promoting women’s education and adult literacy.

Focus on market needs
Emphasising the changing requirements of a technology-driven economy, Radhakrishnan said education should not be restricted to awarding degrees.

“We just cannot produce graduates; we have to understand the demands of the market,”

He called for greater emphasis on research, innovation and problem-solving and said stronger industry-academia partnerships would help India emerge as a global hub for technology and start-ups.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, responsible use of artificial intelligence and international collaborations while remaining rooted in Indian values.

Push for high-tech industries in Keralam
Radhakrishnan urged Keralam to focus more on high-tech and knowledge-based industries, citing the state’s educational strengths and talent pool.

He said limited land availability and high land costs make large traditional industries challenging and suggested that attracting technology-intensive enterprises could generate employment within the state, reduce migration and create opportunities for reverse migration.

He also referred to China’s development experience and emphasised the importance of sustained investment in higher education, research and innovation.

Appeal to youth to reject drugs
Addressing students, the Vice President made a strong appeal to “Say No to Drugs”, warning that temporary pleasures could undermine long-term dreams and aspirations.

He urged young people to use their capabilities for their own development and for the benefit of society and humanity.

The programme was attended by Governor of Keralam Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John and other dignitaries, faculty members and students of RSET.