Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 28: Addressing the 102nd convocation of Delhi University, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday urged graduates to become architects of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, stressing that universities must drive research, entrepreneurship, and innovation that are both rooted in Indian realities and globally competitive.

More than 1.2 lakh students received degrees at the ceremony, presided over by DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. Radhakrishnan highlighted the growing participation of women in higher education, noting that over 70 per cent of this year’s gold medallists were women.

Tracing DU’s journey from its beginnings with three colleges, two faculties, and eight departments, he said the university now boasts 16 faculties, 86 departments, 90 colleges, 20 halls and hostels, over 30 centres and institutes, 34 libraries, and more than six lakh students.

On global aspirations, the Vice President said, “In the next two years, we should move into the top 300, then 200, then 100, and ultimately become the number one university in the world,” urging students worldwide to aspire to study at Delhi.

Radhakrishnan called on graduates to treat learning as a lifelong process, stay away from narcotics, and ensure their achievements bring pride to their families, the university, and the nation.

The convocation also saw around 750 PhD scholars receiving their doctorates, along with 132 gold and silver medals and awards presented to outstanding students.