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Kollam, Nov 3 (IANS) In his first visit to Kerala after assuming his new office, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan called for a renewed emphasis on education and character building as the foundation of national progress while inaugurating the diamond jubilee celebrations of Fatima Mata National College in Kollam on Monday.
Quoting Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, he said, “Education is the greatest wealth a person can have.” He urged the students to combine knowledge with discipline, social responsibility and moral strength.
He said, “Human creation is the most important foundation for building a great, strong and compassionate society.”
Established in 1951 by Reverend Jerome M. Fernandez, the institution marked 75 years of service in education and nation-building.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi, Finance Minister KN Balagopal and Bishop of Kollam Reverend Paul Antony Mullassery attended the function along with alumni, teachers and students.
Lauding the college’s motto ‘Per Maitrem Pro Patria’ (For the Fatherland through the Mother), the Vice President said that this phrase continues to inspire generations to live with integrity and purpose.
He said that building such institutions in post-independence India required “courage, faith and community spirit rather than money”, and praised Fatima Mata College for maintaining that legacy as “a symbol of knowledge and social responsibility”.
Vice President Radhakrishnan made a strong appeal for a nationwide “No Drug” campaign and urged parents, teachers and students to unite against drug abuse.
Describing the drug menace as “a serious challenge that ravages youth and society alike”, he said a drug-free lifestyle is important for both physical health and social harmony.
He also cautioned students to use social media responsibly, noting that while technology has immense potential to connect and empower, “its careless use can mislead, divide and distract.”
Youth should use digital platforms “to promote truth, compassion and national unity,” he said.
Lauding Kerala’s leadership in education and literacy, the Vice President credited the foresight of pioneers like Reverend Fernandes and expressed hope that the college would celebrate its centenary in ‘developed India’.
Concluding his address, Vice President Radhakrishnan described the Institute as a “temple of knowledge and a beacon of values”, and extended his good wishes for its continued contribution to the educational and moral advancement of the country.
Earlier on Monday, the Vice President arrived at the state capital’s airport from Delhi and reached Kollam.
He returned to the state capital late on Monday evening after spending the night at the Kerala Raj Bhavan.
On Tuesday, he will attend an event at the national institute – Sri Chitra Institute of Science and Technology – in the capital city and after that he will return to Delhi.
–IANS
SG/KHz