Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan visited Guwahati on Sunday, September 6, for the golden jubilee of Geetanagar College. He pushed for schools to prioritize democracy and social responsibility over simple career training. The Vice President virtually opened a new academic building at the site. It was his first trip to Assam since taking office.
Education builds a developed India. It creates the skilled workers needed to hit national goals. "Higher education must prepare citizens committed to democracy, constitutional values, social responsibility and nation-building, and not merely careers," Radhakrishnan said. He noted that teaching quality dictates student success, while buildings only provide basic facilities.
He warned students against drug use and social media addiction. Opportunities in space research, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship await the youth. The college began as a girls' school in 1977 before becoming co-educational in 2024. He praised its role in regional women's education.
Radhakrishnan highlighted the government's Act East Policy and Asthalakshmi vision for the Northeast. He also lauded Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for progress in the regional economy, healthcare, and education. The two leaders discussed disaster relief plans for the state. Before leaving, he touted his preference for Assam tea, serving it to his own guests in his office.
Updated at 7th September 2026 at 1:49am
The event took place at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra and featured Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya alongside the Vice President and Chief Minister. Organizers built the new academic wing using funds from the PM-USHA scheme.
The state government also earmarked 3 crore rupees to launch a commerce stream at the college. During the ceremony, Sarma presented the Vice President with traditional gifts including a Gamosa, Muga Sador, bell-metal crafts, a painting of Maa Kamakhya Devalaya, and a Jaapi.
Updated at 7th September 2026 at 5:51pm
Beyond the college event, the Vice President launched a four-day swing through the region that includes stops in Meghalaya, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. He also squeezed in an appearance at the convocation ceremony for the Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences while in Guwahati.
His itinerary for the remainder of the trip includes a public reception in Shillong, a visit to the INA Museum and War Memorial in Moirang, and a session at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He will also tour the Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired in Itanagar before wrapping up his travels on September 9.
Updated at 7th September 2026 at 9:50pm
Beyond the Geetanagar stop, the Vice President kicked off a massive 110-crore rupee infrastructure project at Gauhati University. The project includes new academic buildings, hostels, and staff housing. Chief Minister Sarma pledged an additional 140 crore for the second phase and vowed to upgrade the university stadium to global standards. The Vice President challenged the university to teach foreign languages like Japanese and German to help graduates compete for international jobs.
During the Gauhati University session, officials released a new edition of the Chandrakanta Abhidhan and a book on Bhupen Hazarika. The school also confirmed it launched a minor degree in Quantum Technology and a forensic psychology program this past August. Radhakrishnan used the platform to push for stronger literary ties between Assam and Tamil Nadu, suggesting that universities in his home state should translate more Assamese works.
The itinerary for his regional swing expanded to include several more stops. He added a trip to Sainik School in Imphal and visits to the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and Nyedar Namlo in Itanagar. Before leaving Guwahati on September 7, he sat down with students and citizens at the Gauhati University Convention Centre to field questions and discuss the path forward for the state youth.
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