Vice-President calls for high-tech push in Kerala to reverse migration

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan has called on Kerala to pivot towards high-tech industries as a strategy to generate employment and stem the outward flow of its workforce. Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology in Kakkanad on Monday, he said the state's natural advantages make it well-suited for such a shift.

"High-tech industries should come to Keralam as the State has all the natural resources," he said, adding that a focus on this sector could help stop migration and encourage reverse migration. He acknowledged that land scarcity in Kerala poses a challenge for traditional manufacturing, making technology-driven ventures a more viable option for development.

The Vice-President also stressed the need to rethink education, arguing that it should go beyond rote learning and degree acquisition. "You cannot simply produce graduates. We have to understand what is required for society and the market," he said, urging institutions to align their curricula with real-world needs.

Mr. Radhakrishnan noted the expansion of higher education infrastructure across the country over the past 12 years, including the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIITs, and AIIMS. He expressed confidence that Kerala would soon receive an AIIMS of its own.

During the event, he also inaugurated 'Confluence 3.0', an industry-academia summit themed around artificial intelligence. The Vice-President urged young people to stay away from drugs and channel their talents towards personal and societal progress.

The function was attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and Higher Education Minister Roji M. John.