• Vice-President attends V.O. Chidambaram College’s Platinum Jubilee.
• Revisits his alma mater, where he studied from 1975 to 1978.
• Recalls participation in the movement against the Emergency.
• Urges students to embrace technology and stay away from drugs.

GG News Bureau
Thoothukudi, 11th Nov: Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Alumni Meet of V.O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday as the chief guest, returning to the institution where he studied from 1975 to 1978.

During the visit, the Vice-President paid floral tributes to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai on the college campus and inaugurated a commemorative arch marking the institution’s 75th anniversary. He also visited his former classroom and met classmates from his 1975–78 batch, recalling memories of his student years.

Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan said the college, its teachers and the people he encountered there had played an important role in shaping his outlook and preparing him for greater responsibilities. He recalled the lessons imparted by his teachers, campus life and the values he carried forward.

Recalls Participation in Movement Against Emergency
Reflecting on his student years, the Vice-President recalled participating in the movement against the Emergency while studying at the college. He also spoke about mobilising funds to support the families of people who had been imprisoned during that period.

Paying tribute to V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, he highlighted the freedom fighter’s sacrifices, his commitment to workers’ welfare and his contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

Calls for National Unity and Pride in Tamil Culture
Emphasising national unity, Radhakrishnan said India’s strength as a united nation safeguards the language, culture and identity of its diverse communities, including Tamil culture.

He urged students to strengthen their sense of national consciousness while taking pride in their mother tongue. He also encouraged them to learn multiple languages and take Tamil to a wider global audience.

Students Urged to Embrace Technology and Avoid Drugs
Highlighting the role of education in nation-building, the Vice-President referred to the expansion of higher education institutions across the country. He encouraged V.O. Chidambaram College to preserve its legacy while embracing emerging technologies, scientific research and new academic disciplines to make quality education accessible to all sections of society.

Addressing young people, he stressed the importance of self-discipline and urged students to stay away from drugs and other harmful habits. He called upon them to acquire knowledge, develop their abilities and contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Radhakrishnan expressed happiness at witnessing the growth of his alma mater and said the Platinum Jubilee should serve as a new beginning for the institution as it works towards greater achievements.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, College Secretary A.P.C.V. Chockalingam, Principal Dr C. Veerabagu, Alumni Association President A.V. Murugesan, college administrators, faculty members, alumni and students attended the event.