New Delhi, Jan 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday attended the 9th Convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, and urged the graduating students to shoulder responsibilities beyond personal success and contribute to strengthening democracy, driving economic progress, and shaping India’s global role.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, who graced the occasion as chief guest. Minister Pradhan conferred degrees on graduating students and extended his best wishes for their future.

आज JNU के 9वें समावर्तन समारोह में माननीय @VPIndia श्री सी.पी. राधाकृष्णन जी की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति में सम्मिलित हुआ। इस समावर्तन समारोह में मानक और डिग्री प्राप्त करने वाले सभी विद्यार्थियों को उज्ज्वल भविष्य हेतु अनेकानेक शुभकामनाएं।

वर्षों के निरंतर शैक्षणिक योगदान के माध्यम… pic.twitter.com/vFN29wpKLx

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 12, 2026

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan emphasized that a JNU degree carries a responsibility towards society. He called upon students to take leadership roles across diverse fields—whether in Parliament and state assemblies to strengthen democracy, in civil services to serve the nation, in diplomacy to enhance India’s global standing, or in innovation and entrepreneurship to build start-ups and unicorns. He also encouraged graduates to become writers, journalists, and thought leaders shaping India’s intellectual discourse.

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Highlighting JNU’s academic excellence and its role in nation-building, Pradhan said that critical thinking is the “soul of JNU” and praised the university’s tradition of academic autonomy and interdisciplinary learning. He noted that education is not limited to degrees but is a means to address social inequalities and amplify the voices of the marginalized.

Pradhan expressed confidence that JNU students would play a pivotal role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He cited examples of distinguished alumni such as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and leaders like Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Karat, highlighting the JNU’s legacy of producing influential figures in politics, diplomacy, and academia.

The Minister also hailed the JNU’s culture of debate and exchange of ideas, which he said has historically contributed to shaping national policies.

JNU Chancellor Kanwal Sibal, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, senior officials, faculty members, graduating students and their families were present at the event.