In Kashmir University Convocation, Vice President Recalls Arranging Non-Veg Food For Valley Students
He is on a maiden visit to the union territory after assuming office following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankar in June 2025.
By ETV Bharat Jammu & Kashmir Team
Published : February 26, 2026 at 3:45 PM IST
|Updated : February 26, 2026 at 8:08 PM IST
Srinagar: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday said that everyone in the country must respect diverse cultural sentiments. He also urged students to move “beyond the colonial mindset” and embrace India’s rich heritage of innovation and inclusivity.
Addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, he shared a personal anecdote from his tenure as Jharkhand governor, recalling how he ensured non-vegetarian food was served to Kashmiri students despite being a vegetarian himself. He emphasised democracy, unity, and adapting to change as keys to progress.
“We are democrats; we have to respect the sentiments. Degrading the sentiments of others is not good; no democrat can do that,” he said.
The Vice President also asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to expand tourism without affecting the local ecosystem and that Srinagar, the summer capital, must be made one of the country's most beautiful and cleanest cities.
Radhakrishnan is on a maiden visit to the union territory after assuming office following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in June 2025.
He also urged the students to stay away from narcotics and limit the use of social media. “This (social media use) has to be controlled. Everything should have its limitations… You should know how to allocate your time for success,” he said.
The Vice President began his address by saying, “Bharat Mata is the most powerful and the most merciful.” He appreciated Kashmir University for expanding its campuses to Anantnag and Baramulla. “You have put up the hard work which is getting recognised,” he said, amid applause from the audience, comprising university faculty and students.
At the conclusion, he said, “Mera Kashmir nahi, tumhara kashmir nahi, Hamara Kashmir (Not mine, not yours—ours is Kashmir).”
Referring to the expansion project of Srinagar International Airport, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the VP said that tourism had to be expanded, but without affecting the ecosystem of the place. He said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha should make Srinagar the most beautiful and cleanest in the country so that the government gets the Swachh Bharat Award for it.
Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Vice Chancellor Nilofer Khan, members of the University Council, faculty, and graduating students were also present on the occasion.
Radhakrishnan was referring to CM Abdullah’s address, in which he said that the government was expanding tourism to border areas such as Keren, Gurez and Titwal despite Gulmarg and Pahalgam remaining key attractions.
About artificial intelligence (AI), he said that the world is changing faster than ever, and he urged the students to equip themselves with changes and innovative technologies.
“Change is the only constant factor, and you have to adapt and equip yourself to these changes which are coming across. Bharat is emerging as an innovator of technologies,” he said, while mentioning the recent AI summit in New Delhi, saying the CEOs of different companies were enthusiastic about the summit.
“You must focus on Swadeshi solutions in innovations to reflect the nation's history of education. We have to come out of the colonial mindset and adapt to the changes and innovations,” he said, adding that "our innovations are well accepted by the well-developed nations”.
Mentioning COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing by India, he said that vaccine discovery was a big achievement when the world was struggling to find a cure for COVID. “Modi-ji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) ensured it was free of cost. We ensured it for 200 countries free of cost, and that is why humanity is alive today,” he said.
The VP mentioned the highest railway bridge in Reasi, saying that the bridges are a means of social harmony. “These bridges not only connect people but also connect the hearts of people,” he said.
The VP congratulated the students and told them that the real success belongs to their parents, who put in their hard work for their education. “You should never forget your teachers and non-teaching staff who assist you during your education. Pride, hope and opportunities are waiting for you,” he said.
Universities must evolve into vibrant innovation centres: LG
Addressing the convocation, the LG Sinha said that universities must aspire to move beyond their traditional role as custodians of knowledge- evolving into vibrant centres of innovation, human development, and social transformation.
While extending his best wishes to all graduating students for a prosperous future, he said that students should choose a clear path for their future - ‘One purpose. One priority- Country first.
“Always remember, when you build the country, the country builds you back. Nations don't rise only from resources. They rise from educated people, and when the nation rises, so do you,” he said.
The LG said that the convocation at the University of Kashmir is a vivid proof of generational metamorphosis, fulfilled aspirations, and youth's unwavering faith embodied in modern education. “The knowledge earned in the University of Kashmir isn't merely skills, but it is holistic personality growth. Education builds self-confidence, equips for meaningful lives and moulds responsible citizens, linking personal success to collective good.
Education is the most powerful instrument of change ever placed in human hands. It redirects the course of a life. It reshapes the destiny of families. And when the youth embrace it fully, it rewrites the future of a nation from the ground up,” he said.
“My Mantra is that Industry and Intellect should grow together. Our Universities should collaborate with Industry, innovators, research and development organisations to build Viksit Bharat and to ensure that the higher education campuses and companies co-create the Future,” he said.
Contribute in Agri-science, sustainable development: CM Omar
Chief Minister Abdullah, who is also the pro-chancellor of the University of Kashmir, said that for a long time, Jammu & Kashmir’s economy was viewed through a narrow lens, but the J&K of 2026 is emerging as a hub for innovation and participatory governance.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the moment as pivotal, recalling that he had recently presented the 2026–27 Budget in the Legislative Assembly, terming it a “Fiscal Compass.”
He said the budget was not merely a statement of accounts but a declaration of intent to transform J&K into a modern, progressive and economically vibrant region.
“For too long, our economy was viewed through a narrow lens. We were ‘just’ tourism, or ‘just’ agriculture. But the J&K of 2026 is becoming a hub for Innovation and participatory governance,” he said.
Referring to the challenges faced in recent years, including the trauma of 2025 and the economic setbacks that followed, he said resilience had defined the people of J&K. “My government is focused on three pillars: Meritocracy, Sustainability, and Digital Sovereignty,” he asserted.
Urging students to honour the sacrifices behind their success, he asked them to look towards their parents seated in the gallery and said the degree they were receiving belonged as much to them. Quoting Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), he reminded them, “Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother,” and said that as they walked across the stage, they were walking with the dreams and sacrifices of their elders.
He also expressed gratitude to the faculty for mentoring students with discernment in an age of information overload.
Calling the convocation a day of “succession,” the Chief Minister told the graduating students that they were succeeding the generations who kept the flame of knowledge alive through difficult times and were now the torch-bearers of the future.
Quoting Kashmiri mystic poetess Lalleshwari (Lall Ded), he urged students to embark on the journey of self-realisation even as their formal education concluded.
He asked students to acknowledge the sacrifices of their parents and expressed gratitude to faculty members for their contribution in shaping lives of students.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofar Khan of the university said that 60,000 students, from undergraduates to PhDs, would receive their gold medals, certificates and degrees.
Security was beefed up, and all security agencies were put on high alert ahead of and during the visit. All routes to the university were closed for traffic movement, and traffic police had designated alternate routes for public and private transport movement. The university had also closed classes for three days and restricted movement on campus.
In the morning today, the vice president said that he experienced the timeless charm, pristine waters, and breathtaking natural beauty of Srinagar during a morning cruise on Dal Lake.
“I am deeply impressed by the transformative changes being witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir, including improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity. I appreciate the efforts of the administration in promoting ecotourism, preserving natural heritage, and creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities,” he said, while posting his photos with the LG on the banks of the Dal Lake.
“These initiatives have not only boosted tourism but have also ushered in a new era of peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
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