Guwahati, Sep 7 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday described literary exchanges between Assam and Tamil Nadu as an expression of India’s cultural unity and called for greater academic and linguistic interaction between the two states.
Addressing a programme at Gauhati University, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that language carries the memory, wisdom and identity of a civilisation, and appreciated the translation of Assamese and Tamil literary works into each other.
He encouraged universities and scholars to deepen academic and literary exchanges between Assam and Tamil Nadu, saying India’s linguistic diversity derives strength from its underlying cultural unity.
The Vice-President also released “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”.
Vice-President Radhakrishnan highlighted Gauhati University’s contribution to preserving India’s linguistic heritage and its research in areas such as endangered languages, multilingualism, women’s studies, environmental sustainability and Indian knowledge systems.
He also urged students and young people to use education, research and innovation to address challenges facing their communities and contribute to the development of the country.
Calling upon youth to work towards the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, the Vice-President said that technology should serve humanity and innovation should become an instrument of inclusive development.
He quoted Swami Vivekananda’s famous exhortation to the youth to “Awake, arise and stop not till your goal is reached”.
Vice-President Radhakrishnan also urged students to stay away from drugs, maintain discipline, manage their time wisely and avoid excessive use of social media.
He led students and other participants in taking the “No to Drugs” pledge during the programme.
The Vice-President praised Assam’s progress in education, infrastructure, connectivity, investment and employment under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He noted that more than 1.64 lakh merit-based government appointments had been made in the state since 2021 and also highlighted the commencement of the first MBA batch at IIM Guwahati.
The programme 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, faculty members and students.
–IANS
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