Dimapur : Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday urged the youth of Nagaland to adapt to changing global realities and prepare themselves for emerging opportunities while addressing the 8th convocation ceremony of Nagaland University at its headquarters in Lumami in Zunheboto district.

Delivering the convocation address as the chief guest, Radhakrishnan told graduating students that a convocation should be seen as the beginning of a new journey rather than the conclusion of academic pursuits. He encouraged them to set clear goals and move forward with determination instead of comparing themselves with others.

Emphasising the importance of national participation, the Vice President called on the youth of Nagaland to actively engage in national services and appear in greater numbers for competitive examinations, particularly those conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.

Highlighting India’s diversity, he said the country remains united by shared ideals and values, adding that unity continues to be the nation’s greatest strength. He noted that the vision of a “Viksit Nagaland” would contribute significantly to the broader national goal of a “Viksit Bharat”.

Radhakrishnan also stressed the need for inclusive development, respect for differences within a democratic framework and the importance of maintaining peace to ensure sustained progress.

Expressing happiness at visiting Nagaland for the first time, he praised the state’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people, describing it as a place where nature, culture and courage coexist in remarkable harmony.

Referring to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority agreement, he said peace, dialogue and mutual respect are crucial for ensuring long-term development and stability in the region.

The Vice President also lauded Nagaland University for its contributions to higher education and research in the Northeast, noting that the institution has steadily expanded its academic reach while making quality education accessible to students across the region.

He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the university, including the establishment of a cancer research laboratory and projects aimed at documenting indigenous Naga languages and customary laws, which he said are vital for preserving the region’s cultural heritage.

During the ceremony, Radhakrishnan conferred degrees and presented gold medals to meritorious students. A total of 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduate students, 846 graduates from professional programmes and 5,106 undergraduate students were awarded degrees.

In recognition of outstanding academic performance, 54 gold medals were also presented to students across various disciplines.