GUWAHATI: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday inaugurated the new academic building of Geetanagar College in Guwahati during the institution’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
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The inauguration took place on the first day of Radhakrishnan’s four-day visit to Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Geetanagar College was formerly known as Kanya Mahavidyalaya.
Addressing students at the college, Radhakrishnan urged them to stay away from drugs and led them in taking a ‘No to Drugs’ pledge. He called on students to make responsible choices and encourage their peers to avoid drug use.
The Vice-President said institutions of higher education should prepare students not only for careers but also for their responsibilities as citizens, including upholding constitutional values, democracy and social responsibility.
He also spoke about opportunities for young people in artificial intelligence, digital technology, biotechnology, space research and entrepreneurship.
Radhakrishnan referred to Assam’s cultural heritage and the legacy of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, while highlighting the state’s development in healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment, disaster management and tea-garden communities.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Higher Education Commissioner and Secretary Narayan Konwar, Geetanagar College Principal Satyajit Kalita and other dignitaries attended the programme.
Radhakrishnan will visit the four states from September 6 to 9. During his Assam visit, he is scheduled to attend the convocation of Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences in Guwahati and programmes at Gauhati University.