21.03.2026: Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Addresses First Convocation of Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University

Vice President’s Secretariat

Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Addresses First Convocation of Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University

Skilling is Key to India’s Journey Towards Becoming Global Human Resource Hub: Vice-President

“Degrees Become Meaningful Only When They Translate into Employability: Vice-President”

Posted On: 21 MAR 2026 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the first convocation of the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University, Mumbai, as the Chief Guest today and addressed the graduating students on the importance of skill development, employability and new-age technologies.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that the convocation was not just a celebration of academic achievement, but a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global hub of skilled human capital. Congratulating the graduating students, he noted that they have created history by being the first batch of the University.

Reflecting on his earlier tenure as Governor of Maharashtra and other states, the Vice-President emphasized that universities and academic institutions must continuously update their curriculum to meet modern challenges and align education with industry requirements. He stressed that degrees are meaningful only when they translate into employability and called for greater focus on skill development and new-age technologies.

The Vice-President noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a transformative shift in its approach to skilling and human capital development. He highlighted major initiatives such as Skill India, PM-SETU, the Skill India Digital Hub, the establishment of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and reforms in vocational training, stating that these initiatives have redefined how India prepares its youth for the future.

The Vice-President also appreciated the vision of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, noting that the State is now competing with leading global economies.

Speaking about India’s demographic advantage, he said that India’s young population can become a great strength if properly skilled, but can become a challenge if not equipped with the right skills. He urged the graduates to act as ambassadors of India’s talent and capability wherever they work, noting that their dedication and professionalism will enhance India’s global credibility.

Referring to the legacy of Ratan Tata, the Vice-President said that the University carries a profound responsibility to bridge the gap between education and employability while nurturing socially responsible individuals. He noted that industry must grow along with a sense of social responsibility, which makes great leaders role models for the nation.

The Vice-President also launched the “Say No to Drugs” campaign and visited the exhibition set up by industry partners under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The convocation was attended by the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma; Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Sunetra Ajit Pawar; Minister for Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha; senior officials, faculty members, parents and students.