Guwahati: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth Rs 110 crore at Gauhati University, including a new multidisciplinary academic building, hostels for boys and international students, and development works related to the university auditorium and library.
The projects are aimed at strengthening the university’s academic and student-support infrastructure and expanding facilities for research and higher education in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-President Radhakrishnan highlighted the historical importance of Gauhati University, established on January 26, 1948, as the first university in the Northeast following a sustained public movement led by prominent leaders, including Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi.
He said the university has grown into a premier institution in the region and currently holds NAAC A+ accreditation.
Gauhati University has also secured ninth position among state public universities in the NIRF 2025 rankings.
The Vice-President appreciated the university’s research initiatives in areas, including the Brahmaputra basin, endangered languages, multilingualism, women’s studies, environmental sustainability and Indian knowledge systems.
Describing the Brahmaputra as an ecological, economic and civilisational force, Vice-President Radhakrishnan stressed the need for research that addresses challenges faced by communities in the region while also contributing to national development.
He also highlighted the expansion of India’s higher education ecosystem since 2014, citing the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIITs, Central Universities, AIIMS and other institutions.
He said women’s participation in higher education had increased significantly, with enrolment rising from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24.
The Vice-President urged students and researchers to contribute towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ by pursuing innovation and research focused on community challenges.
He also released two books — “Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs” and the fifth revised and enlarged edition of “Chandrakanta Abhidhan”.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and other dignitaries attended the programme.
(IANS)
