Vice-President asks students to reject colonial mindset, extols achievements made post-2019 in J&K

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday (February 26, 2026) called upon students to shun colonial mindset and extolled the achievements made in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Addressing the 21^st convocation ceremony of the University of Kashmir, Mr. Radhakrishnan said: “I urge you all to focus on swadeshi innovation and solutions, which are rooted in Indian knowledge, resources, and needs. We need not be worried; we need not be inferior. We have to shun colonial mindset first.”

Mr. Radhakrishnan highlighted the vaccines produced by Indian scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The same vaccination has been researched and developed by the most well-developed Western economies. Indian innovations are widely accepted, so the whole world is open for you,” he told the graduating students.

‘Character of graduates’

The Vice-President said universities may be known for infrastructure and academic excellence “but their true legacy is reflected in the character and contributions of their graduates”.

He highlighted the achievements made after 2019 in J&K, when the Centre abrogated the provisions of Article 370 and ended its special status. “The university has achieved NAAC A++ Grade, 34^th rank in the NIRF university category, over 7,700 research publications since 2019 and pioneering initiatives such as the National Himalayan Ice-Core Laboratory, which underline its growing global presence,” said. Mr. Radhakrishnan.

Praising the development initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Vice-President highlighted the expansion of Srinagar International Airport, and the Chenab Rail Bridge. “These initiatives create new opportunities and strengthen social harmony,” he said.

‘Use social media responsibly’

Urging students of J&K to stay away from drugs and use social media responsibly, Mr. Radhakrishnan said, “Yeh na mera Kashmir hai, na tumhara Kashmir hai, yeh hum sabka Kashmir hai (This is not my Kashmir or your Kashmir. Kashmir belongs to all of us). In a democracy, respecting the sentiments of others is as important as respecting one’s own sentiments, and such exchanges deepen national integration.”

He expressed happiness over the fact that J&K’s Minister for Higher Education was a woman, the Vice-Chancellor of the University was a woman, and that a majority of gold medal recipients were women. “This is a powerful reflection of women’s empowerment and progress in J&K,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his government was focussing on digital growth. “J&K’s climate makes it suitable for green data centres and knowledge-based industries. We want job providers, not just job seekers,” Mr. Abdullah said.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha underlined that the country has invested heavily in students’ education and expects them to contribute meaningfully to the country. “My mantra to you is one purpose, one priority — country first. When you build the nation, the nation builds you back,” Mr. Sinha quipped.

Mr. Radhakrishnan’s current two-day visit is his maiden journey to J&K since assuming office of the Vice-President. “I witnessed the timeless charm of Srinagar during a morning cruise on Dal Lake and admired its pristine waters and breathtaking natural beauty,” the Vice-President said in a post on social media.

Meanwhile, security was placed on high alert in Kashmir during the visit of the senior dignitary.