VP Radhakrishnan calls for research-driven education, industry-academia synergy at RSET silver jubilee

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday attended the silver jubilee celebrations of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology (RSET) in Kochi and inaugurated Confluence 3.0, an industry-academia summit themed around AI's impact on India.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President stressed that education must move beyond degree completion. "We just cannot produce graduates; we have to understand the demands of the market," he said, calling for a stronger emphasis on research, innovation, and problem-solving in higher education.

He lauded RSET's 25-year journey, noting that the institution has produced not just technocrats but also leaders in public life. He also acknowledged the role of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara in democratising education, promoting women's literacy, and removing poverty as a barrier to learning.

Highlighting the need for stronger industry-academia partnerships, the Vice President said such linkages are vital to making India a global hub for technology and startups. He advocated for innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, responsible AI use, and international collaborations grounded in Indian values.

Drawing a comparison with China's transformation, he pointed to sustained investment in higher education and research as a key driver of progress. He urged Kerala to strengthen its research ecosystem and pivot towards high-tech and knowledge-based industries, given the state's land constraints and high costs for traditional manufacturing. He noted that Kerala's strong educational base could attract high-technology enterprises, create local jobs, reduce migration, and even enable reverse migration.

The Vice President also made an emotional appeal to students to "Say No to Drugs," recalling his mother's advice that temporary pleasures can destroy great hopes. He urged them to channel their capabilities for personal and societal betterment.

During the event, he also laid the foundation stone for RSET's new administrative block. The programme was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, and Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, among other dignitaries.