Vice-President addresses the 8th Convocation of Nagaland University at Lumami

C. P. Radhakrishnan, participated as the Chief Guest at the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Nagaland University at its Lumami campus in Nagaland yesterday. Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President expressed happiness at visiting Nagaland during his first visit to the North-East after assuming office. Describing Nagaland as a place where nature, culture and courage blend in harmony, he said that the true strength of the State lies in its people and their vibrant traditions.

Highlighting India’s unity in diversity, the Vice-President stated that the strength of the country lies not in its differences but in the unity that binds its people together.

The Vice-President commended Nagaland University for its significant contributions to higher education since its establishment in 1994 after being carved out of North Eastern Hill University. He noted that the University has expanded its academic outreach and strengthened access to quality education across the region.

He also appreciated the University’s achievements in various fields, including the establishment of a cancer research laboratory, as well as its efforts to preserve and document indigenous Naga languages and customary laws.

Congratulating the graduating students, the Vice-President urged them to strive for progress with purpose while maintaining harmony between development and environmental preservation.

Encouraging the youth to lead responsible lives, he called upon students to remain committed to building a stronger nation and to firmly say “No to Drugs”.

The Vice-President noted that the world is evolving faster than ever and emphasised the importance of continuously upgrading knowledge and skills to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The Vice-President also highlighted the Government’s focus on the development of the North-Eastern region under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He referred to the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), which supports infrastructure, social development and livelihood projects in the region. These initiatives, he said, will significantly contribute to creating opportunities for the youth and accelerating inclusive growth in the region.

Referring to the tripartite agreement signed in February 2026 between the Central Government, the Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, under the leadership of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Vice-President expressed confidence that the agreement will address long-standing concerns and promote peace and development in the region.

The Vice-President also appreciated the role played by the Governor of Nagaland, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla and State Government, in advancing development and peace initiatives in the State.

The Vice-President highlighted the transformative infrastructural development that has taken place in the North-East in the past decade. He said that while infrastructure connects territories, it is the interaction among people that strengthens national unity.

During the visit, the Vice-President also laid the foundation stone for the HEFA Phase II buildings at Nagaland University.

Governor of Nagaland and Chief Rector of Nagaland University, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla; Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri T. R. Zeliang; Chancellor of Nagaland University, Dr. Samudra Gupta Kashyap; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik; and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.