THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ERODE, AUGUST 29, 2026

Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday underscored the pivotal role of research, innovation and strong industry-academia collaboration in driving India’s continued progress, calling upon educational institutions to transform themselves into global centres of knowledge and technological advancement. Addressing the Founders’ Day celebrations and inaugurating ‘Arivukoodam’ of the Kongu Vellalar Institute of Technology (KVIT) Trust at Perundurai in Erode, he urged students and young professionals to move beyond conventional education, embrace emerging technologies and contribute to the nation’s development through research and innovation.

The Vice President appreciated the vision and contribution of the 41 founders of the KVIT Trust and noted that nearly one lakh people had received education through its institutions. He said their sustained efforts had made a significant contribution to the growth of education in the Kongu region.

He also commended the institutions for establishing global academic and technological linkages with countries such as Germany, the United States, France and Japan, describing such international engagement as an important avenue for strengthening knowledge, research and innovation.

Radhakrishnan called upon the youth to continuously upgrade their knowledge and shift from basic education towards research-oriented learning. He encouraged them to actively pursue research, develop innovative solutions and secure patents, particularly in emerging and transformative fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology and digital technology.

Emphasising that “change is the only constant,” the Vice President urged young people to identify their individual strengths, set clear goals and work with determination and perseverance rather than comparing themselves with others. He stressed the importance of maintaining mental well-being alongside academic and professional growth, and highlighted yoga and meditation as effective means of achieving mental peace and developing sharper intellect.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said, “You become what you think,” and urged students to cultivate positive thoughts, confidence and a clear sense of purpose in their pursuit of excellence.

Expressing confidence in the potential of ‘Arivukoodam’, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the facility would emerge as a hub for research, innovation and knowledge creation. He said it would further strengthen the KVIT institutions as global knowledge centres and enable them to contribute meaningfully to social transformation and national development.

The Vice President particularly emphasised that closer collaboration between industry and academia was essential to translate knowledge and research into practical solutions and accelerate India’s technological and economic progress.

As part of the programme, he visited an exhibition organised by the Technology Business Incubator of Kongu Engineering College, where innovative projects and technological solutions were showcased. In the presence of the Vice President, MoUs were exchanged between Anchor Industries and Arivukoodam – A Research Park, marking another step towards strengthening industry-academia partnerships and promoting collaborative research and innovation.

Radhakrishnan also felicitated distinguished individuals associated with the college and the Trust. He unveiled plaques commemorating the laying of foundation stones for Arivukoodam – A Research Park, the Pharmacy College, Kongu Naturopathy and Yoga Medical College, and the Cloud Kitchen of KVIT Trust.

Governor of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Supreme Court Judge Justice M. M. Sundresh, KVIT Trust Chairman Devarajan and other dignitaries attended the programme.