Vice President CP Radhakrishnan was presented with a memento during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Fatima Mata National Academy in Kollam on Monday. | Photo credit:-
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Monday said education is the greatest wealth a person can have and appreciated Kerala’s contribution to India’s education sector.
Addressing the diamond jubilee celebrations of Fatima Mata National College here, he quoted Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar as saying, “Education is wealth that cannot be taken from a person. No wealth can equal the wealth of education.” At a time when the world is facing uncertainty – whether it’s due to climate change, digital disruption or social fragmentation – he says the role of education is more important than ever.
“We need universities that do not just prepare students for employment. We must not be interested in creating ‘gumastas’ (officials). We should be more interested in producing scientists and great administrators who can provide greater service to society,” the vice president said.
Education should equip students with critical thinking, compassion and a global perspective, he added.
Appreciating Kerala’s contribution to India’s educational progress, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the state’s achievement of 90% literacy when others did not even reach 40% was “remarkable and unparalleled”. The main credit for this goes to our elders, he added.
The vice president encouraged students to think of the schedule not just as something for school days, but as something that should guide them throughout their lives.
“Don’t get bogged down in social networks all the time. We shouldn’t get used to anything – otherwise it starts dictating our terms. We have to have self-control over everything,” he said.
He has also come out strongly against drug and alcohol abuse, saying he has launched an initiative called “No Drugs” to raise awareness.
“Where there is more freedom, we must never abuse it. Instead, we should exercise self-control. ‘No drugs’ should become a people’s movement,” he insisted.
Mr Radhakrishnan said he hoped to return for the school’s centenary celebrations. “God willing, I will be back for the centenary celebrations,” he said.
The vice president expressed his vision for the nation, saying, “We want our country to become the most powerful in the world. We will never dictate terms to other countries. No country should dictate terms to us.”
Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar said education should focus on nation building and job creation rather than job seekers, in line with the vision of “Viksit Bharat” and “Viksit Kerala”. He said that Kerala has made a huge contribution to the nation, especially in culture and education.
“Education is not only for personal growth but also for the progress of the nation,” he said. Mr. Arlekar said that all efforts should go towards achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
He added that educational institutions should nurture entrepreneurs and innovators who can create jobs for others.
“That is the way to ‘Viksit Bharat’. It should be in line with “Viksit Kerala”. Let us strive to become good citizens of India – only then can we move towards this vision,” he said.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal and Kollam Bishop Paul Antony Mullassery also spoke on the occasion.
Published – 04 Nov 2025 0:19 IST
