Graduates will play a pivotal role in guiding India: Union Minister

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy presenting a degree certificate to a student at VIT Chennai on Saturday. VIT Founder-Chancellor G. Viswanathan is also seen. | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj

The graduates will play a pivotal role in guiding India towards its centenary of independence in 2047, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said here on Saturday.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Convocation of VIT Chennai, he highlighted the role of the youth and added, “With the country’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals. Graduates should not only be job seekers but also job creators…”

Dr. G. Viswanathan, founder-chancellor of VIT, pointed out that the country spends no more than 3.5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on education. “Other countries spend at least 6% to 10% (of GDP) on education,” he said, urging the Center to take the lead and convince the state to spend more on education.

He also said: “… We are moving towards a capitalist society. Unless we take effective action, this cannot be stopped. The benefit of growth should reach all people, and education is a leveller; can reduce economic inequality…”

A total of 3,056 graduates received their diplomas, with 38 of them receiving gold medals. Chief Human Resources Officer at LTImindtree Chetana Patnaik spoke. VIT Vice-Chancellor Dr. VS Kanchana Bhaaskaran; pro-vice-chancellor Dr. T. Thyagarajan; Advisor to the Chancellor Dr. SP Thyagarajan; Pro-Vice Chancellor of VIT Vellore Partha Sharathi Mallick; Registrar Dr. T. Jayabharathy; Additional Registrar Dr. PK Manoharan among others were present.

The minister also inaugurated a dormitory block of the college on the occasion.