VP Radhakrishnan Urges “Swadeshi Innovation” at 21st Kashmir University Convocation

Addressing a sea of graduates at the University of Kashmir, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan delivered a stirring call for intellectual independence. During the 21st convocation ceremony, he urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to lead the nation’s charge toward becoming a global innovation hub by focusing on solutions rooted in Indian knowledge and resources.

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The event, marked by a blend of academic solemnity and regional pride, showcased the changing socio-economic fabric of the valley, particularly through the overwhelming success of its female students.

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Shedding the Colonial Mindset: The VP’s Address

Vice President Radhakrishnan emphasized that “True Atmanirbhartha” (Self-reliance) begins with identity.

• Innovation Roots: He encouraged students to develop solutions tailored to Indian needs rather than merely adopting foreign technology.

• Cultural Integration: The VP broke the ice by greeting the audience in Kashmiri—“tuh chuva warai”—and stressed that while one can be proud of their own sentiments, they must never degrade the sentiments of others.

• Unified Kashmir: In a moment of high emotional resonance, he told the students, “Mera Kashmir nahi, tumhara Kashmir nahi, Hamara Kashmir” (Not my Kashmir, not your Kashmir, but Our Kashmir).

The Rise of Nari Shakti: Medal Statistics

The convocation served as a powerful testament to the progress of women’s education in the region.

• The Numbers: Out of 249 gold medals, 75% (186) were won by women.

• Research Excellence: Women also secured roughly 66% of the PhDs awarded during the ceremony.

• Leadership Examples: LG Manoj Sinha pointed out that the presence of Education Minister Sakina Itoo and Vice-Chancellor Nilofar Khan on stage provided a clear roadmap for girl students to not just participate, but lead.

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Resilience Post-2025: Omar Abdullah’s Vision

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, serving as the Pro-Chancellor, spoke candidly about the “trauma of 2025” and the subsequent economic setbacks the region has faced.

• Economic Diversification: He noted that J&K is moving beyond its traditional image of being purely tourism or agriculture-based to becoming a “hub of innovations.”

• The Oxygen of Peace: Abdullah reminded the graduating class that while resilience has defined them, future development is only possible in an environment of sustained peace.

Reality Check

The VP’s call to throw out the “colonial mindset” is a recurring theme in 2026’s national rhetoric. Still, most academic research and high-tech infrastructure in India remain heavily reliant on global standards and foreign patents. Therefore, while “Swadeshi” is the goal, the transition requires more than just mindset shifts—it needs massive local R&D investment. In fact, the 60% lead by female students in J&K is one of the highest in the country, suggesting that the “social fabric” Abdullah mentioned is already undergoing a profound structural change.

The Loopholes

The VP spoke of the COVID-19 vaccination as a prime example of Swadeshi success. In fact, this is an “Innovation Loophole”—while the manufacturing was Indian, the initial technological frameworks often involve global collaborations. Therefore, “Purely Swadeshi” is often a misnomer for “Highly Localized.” Still, the “Nation First” mantra used by LG Sinha serves as a strategic “Security Loophole,” framing academic success as a direct contribution to national stability in a sensitive region.

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What This Means for You

If you are a student or entrepreneur in J&K, look toward local problem-solving. First, realize that the government is heavily incentivizing “Swadeshi” startups through grants and incubator programs at KU. Then, if you are a woman in academia, understand that you are currently part of the most successful demographic in the state’s educational history, providing you with significant leverage in the job market.

Finally, understand that participatory governance is the new buzzword in the valley. You should actively look for internships within the J&K government’s new “innovation hubs” mentioned by the CM. Before you settle for a traditional career path, evaluate if your skills can be used for the “nation-building” efforts emphasized by the LG.

What’s Next

The University of Kashmir is expected to announce a new Swadeshi Research Grant by next month. Then, look for the rollout of the “Nation First” mentorship program across state colleges. Finally, the Education Ministry will likely release a detailed report on “Gender Achievement in Higher Education” by mid-2026 to further refine support for women in STEM.

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