Vice-President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, declared the educational and literacy accomplishments of Kerala as a source of immense national pride. He emphasized that institutions which steadfastly uphold constitutional values play a pivotal role in fortifying the country's unity and social fabric.
Celebrating a Legacy of Educational Excellence
The Vice-President was delivering the keynote address at the grand closing ceremony of the year-long platinum jubilee celebrations of Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram. The historic event was held on the college grounds, marking the culmination of festivities for an institution established in 1949 by the visionary Archbishop Mar Ivanios.
Radhakrishnan urged a paradigm shift in educational focus, moving beyond the mere pursuit of degrees and jobs. He advocated for an education system that prioritizes holistic personality development and instills a deep sense of social responsibility in students. He highlighted the transformative potential of the National Education Policy (NEP), which aims to equip the youth for future challenges by fostering creative thinking and a robust research culture.
Embracing Technology with Ethical Foresight
The Vice-President specifically called upon students to responsibly harness cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, while firmly adhering to ethical values. He encouraged them to respect diversity, cultivate scientific temper, and develop the resilience to convert challenges into opportunities.
He credited the phenomenal growth of Mar Ivanios College to the founding vision of Archbishop Mar Ivanios, who saw education as a powerful tool to liberate people from ignorance. Radhakrishnan also noted that the Ivanian Research Centre, being set up with international-standard facilities as part of the jubilee, would significantly boost the institution's future research capabilities.
State Government's Role in Elevating Higher Education
In his keynote address, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan outlined the state government's strategic interventions that have elevated the higher education sector to global standards. He detailed significant foundational and academic developments over the past decade.
The CM listed key initiatives, including establishing translational research centres worth Rs 200 crore, introducing four-year undergraduate degree programs, and instituting awards and scholarships to promote high-quality research. He reflected on the college's inspiring origins, tracing its philosophical roots to the ideals of Shantiniketan, which championed free knowledge and fearless intellect.
Starting with just 145 students, Mar Ivanios College has grown into one of Kerala's premier large colleges. Vijayan praised its enduring mission of transforming students from ordinary backgrounds into exemplary individuals by imparting crucial life lessons and a strong ethos of social responsibility.
