- Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan addresses 8th Convocation of Nagaland University at Lumami
- Highlights development initiatives in the North-East under Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Praises tripartite peace agreement led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- Urges youth to pursue progress, uphold unity and stay away from drugs
GG News Bureau
Lumami, 6th March: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday said that unity in diversity remains the greatest strength of Bharat while addressing the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Nagaland University at its Lumami campus.
Participating as the Chief Guest, the Vice President expressed happiness at beginning his first visit to the North-East after assuming office with a trip to Nagaland. He described the state as a land where nature, culture and courage blend in harmony and said its real strength lies in its people and their vibrant traditions.
Highlighting India’s diversity, Radhakrishnan said the country’s strength does not lie in differences but in the unity that binds its people together.
The Vice President commended Nagaland University for its contribution to higher education since its establishment in 1994 after being carved out of North Eastern Hill University. He noted that the institution has expanded its academic reach and improved access to quality education across the region.
He also praised the university’s achievements, including the establishment of a cancer research laboratory and initiatives to preserve indigenous Naga languages and customary laws.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Vice President urged them to pursue progress with purpose while maintaining harmony between development and environmental preservation. He also encouraged the youth to lead responsible lives and firmly say no to drugs.
Radhakrishnan highlighted the government’s focus on the development of the North-East under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He referred to the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), which supports infrastructure, social development and livelihood projects in the region.
Referring to the tripartite agreement signed in February 2026 between the Central Government, the Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Vice President said the agreement would help address long-standing concerns and promote peace and development in the region.
He also appreciated the role of Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the state government in advancing peace and development initiatives in the state.
The Vice President noted that infrastructure development in the North-East has witnessed rapid transformation over the past decade. While infrastructure connects territories, he said, interaction among people strengthens national unity.
During the visit, the Vice President also laid the foundation stone for the HEFA Phase II buildings at Nagaland University.
Governor of Nagaland and Chief Rector of Nagaland University Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Deputy Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang, Chancellor Dr. Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
