21st Convocation Ceremony of the University of Kashmir, Srinagar

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata, the most powerful and the most merciful. Hon’ble Lt. Governor, J & K, Shri Manoj Sinha Ji; Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Shri Omar Abdullah Ji; Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, J&K, Ms. Sakeena Masood Itoo Ji; and The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan Ji, Bhaiyon aur Behnon of Jammu & Kashmir. Sabko Namaskar! Tohe chheva vaara?

I am pleased to be with you all today on the occasion of the 21st convocation ceremony of the University of Kashmir. What gives me additional joy is that this is my first ever visit to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in my lifetime and also as the Vice-President of India. When my good friend LG Shri Manoj Sinha Ji invited me, I immediately said yes as I wanted to be with you on this great occasion. A university may have state-of-the-art infrastructure, global collaborations, and academic achievements. Yet, its real legacy walks out of its gates each year in the form of its graduates. The character they embody, the excellence they pursue, and the contributions they make to society ultimately define the stature of their alma mater. I am glad to know that our university has produced true gems –which includes high court judges, civil servants, scientists, academicians and leaders like former MP Dr. Karan Singh ji. 

It gives me satisfaction to highlight the remarkable journey and major achievements of the University of Kashmir, as we gather for this historic 21st Convocation. Established in 1948, Kashmir University is an institution with a proud legacy of over 78 years, a vibrant present, and a future that continues to elevate the standards of education in India. From its main campus in Srinagar to its satellite campuses in  Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara and Zakura, the University has expanded its academic reach to ensure that quality education becomes available to students across the region. I am glad to know that the University has earned the prestigious NAAC A++ Grade and 34th position in the University category of the NIRF rankings, which reaffirms your commitment to quality and excellence. Your achievements in all fields, academic, scientific, entrepreneurship and innovation have been extraordinary. Initiatives such as the National Himalayan Ice-Core Laboratory, collaboration with scientific institutions, are a witness to the positive trajectory of growth of the university.

I am happy to know that since 2019, over 7,700 research publications have appeared in reputed global databases, with an H-index of 115. This reflects the University’s growing global academic footprint. Dear graduating students, congratulations! This day belongs to you. But it also belongs to your parents who stood by you, your teachers who inspired you, your friends who encouraged you, and this institution that shaped you very well. Today marks an important milestone in the lives of all the young graduates here. Convocation is not merely a ceremony—it is a moment where years of effort transform into a new beginning. It is a day filled with pride, hope, and opportunities. As you step out of this campus today, you join a distinguished lineage of this University’s alumni.

Students, you are graduating at a time when the world is changing faster than ever. The world you are stepping into in 2026 is very different from the world of even five years ago when you stepped into this university. But every challenge also presents an opportunity. Dear graduates, Bharat is no longer only an adopter of technology — we are emerging as innovators of technology. We recently successfully concluded the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and I also met with several CEOs of companies working in the field of AI. Dear students, always remember that the true purpose of technology is not progress alone, but progress with purpose. Initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India, of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modi Ji, have made the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our country more vibrant and supportive, as never before. My best wishes to you to shape: the next big innovations, the next wave of sustainable development, the next chapter in India’s rise as a global leader. As graduating students, I urge you all to focus on Swadeshi innovations—solutions that are rooted in Indian knowledge, resources, and needs. True Atmanirbharta comes when our innovations reflect our nation’s identity and serve our people.

Our Honorable Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modiji has given a rousing call for Viksit Bharat@ 2047. This ambitious target has been set by visionary and vibrant PM for the well-being of the present and future generation. Recently, the Central Government has approved the development and expansion at Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of  over Rupees 1,600 crores. Likewise, the Chenab Rail bridge across the River Chenab, marvelled as the World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge, and many other infrastructure projects send out a bigger message. These projects are more than engineering achievements; they are instruments of social harmony. When places are connected, people are connected. And when people are connected, hearts are connected. These initiatives also create new opportunities for our youth brigade like you.

The PM Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K students act as a bridge of opportunity, aspiration, and national integration for many bright students like you. By enabling students from the region to study in institutions across the country, the scheme has strengthened emotional integration and national unity. It has created friendships across regions, cultures, and languages. It has ensured that talent is not limited by geography.

My dear young graduates, I request you to Stay Away from Drugs. That is my humble request. Every religion calls drugs as the most sinful product. Please keep away from drugs. Also advice your friends and family members to stay away from narcotic drug use. I also advise you all always to be mindful of your social media usage, use it as a technological tool, and not get enslaved by it. Dear graduates, until now, you answered questions set by your professors. From today onwards, life will set the questions, and they will not always be from the syllabus. There will be challenges that test your patience. There will be failures that test your courage. There will be choices that test your character. Remember this always that success is not defined by how high you rise, but by how firmly you stand when circumstances try to shake you.

Your degree is not an end goal but a beginning of new responsibilities. May you illuminate the world with your knowledge, hard work, and compassion.

May your careers be successful, and more importantly, may they be meaningful and bring glory to this land of Jammu and Kashmir. My best wishes and congratulations to the batch of graduates of 2026 at Kashmir University! I wish you every success in all your endeavours.

Jai Hind!
Long Live Mother Bharat!