Vice-President Lays Foundation Stone for Rs. 110 Crore Infrastructure Projects at Gauhati University.
Guwahati:
Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday laid the foundation stone for infrastructure development projects worth Rs. 110 crore at Gauhati University, marking a significant step towards strengthening academic and student facilities at the premier institution of higher learning in Northeast India.
The projects include a new multidisciplinary academic building, a new boys’ hostel, an international students’ hostel, and development works related to the university auditorium and library.
Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan highlighted the historical importance of Gauhati University, which was established on January 26, 1948, as the first university in Northeast India following a sustained public movement led by eminent leaders, including Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. He noted that the university has since evolved into a leading institution in the region, securing NAAC A+ accreditation and ranking ninth among State Public Universities in the NIRF 2025 rankings.
The Vice-President praised Gauhati University for its efforts to preserve India’s linguistic and cultural heritage. He said language carries the memory, wisdom and identity of a civilisation. Welcoming the translation of Assamese literary works into Tamil and vice versa, he encouraged greater academic and literary exchanges between Assam and Tamil Nadu, describing such initiatives as a reflection of India’s cultural unity amid its linguistic diversity.
Radhakrishnan also appreciated the university’s research in areas including the Brahmaputra Basin, endangered languages, multilingualism, women’s studies, environmental sustainability and Indian Knowledge Systems. Describing the Brahmaputra as an ecological, economic and civilisational force, he stressed the need for research addressing both regional and national challenges.
Highlighting the expansion of India’s higher education system since 2014, the Vice-President credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for expanding educational opportunities across the country. He pointed to the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIITs, Central Universities, AIIMS and other institutions.
He also highlighted a 42.2 per cent rise in women’s enrolment in higher education, from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, calling the growth an important indicator of women’s empowerment.
Radhakrishnan praised Assam’s progress in infrastructure, connectivity, education, investment and employment under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He noted the state’s improved education performance, the launch of the first MBA batch at IIM Guwahati and more than 1.64 lakh merit-based government appointments since 2021.
Urging students and scholars to contribute towards Viksit Bharat @2047, he encouraged them to pursue innovative research, address community challenges and ensure technology remains focused on serving humanity. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he urged the youth to “Awake, arise and stop not till your goal is reached.”
During the programme, Radhakrishnan released two books — Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs, edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta, and the fifth revised and enlarged edition of Chandrakanta Abhidhan.
He also witnessed a cultural programme presented by Gauhati University students showcasing Assam’s rich heritage. The Vice-President led students and participants in taking a “No to Drugs” pledge and urged young people to stay away from substance abuse, maintain discipline, manage their time effectively and avoid excessive use of social media.
The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta, Registrar Utpal Sarma, faculty members, students and other dignitaries.
