**Executive Summary**
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the first convocation of Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University on March 21, 2026, in Mumbai. He emphasized that skill development and new-age technologies are essential for transforming India into a global human resource hub and ensuring degrees lead to employability. The event also featured the launch of the “Say No to Drugs” campaign and an exhibition of industry-led CSR initiatives.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Focus on Employability and Curriculum**
* Academic degrees are only meaningful when they successfully translate into employability for students.
* Universities and academic institutions must continuously update their curricula to align with modern industry requirements and challenges.
* There is a critical need for a greater focus on skill development and the adoption of new-age technologies.
**National Skilling Initiatives**
* Transformative shifts in human capital development have been driven by initiatives such as Skill India, PM-SETU, and the Skill India Digital Hub.
* The establishment of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and reforms in vocational training have redefined how the nation prepares youth for the future.
* India’s young population represents a demographic advantage that must be properly skilled to avoid becoming a national challenge.
**Institutional and Social Responsibility**
* The Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University carries a responsibility to bridge the gap between education and employability while nurturing socially responsible individuals.
* Industry growth must be accompanied by social responsibility to create role models for the nation.
* The "Say No to Drugs" campaign was launched to promote social welfare among the youth.
**Impact Analysis**
**Graduating Students**
**Impact**
As the first batch of the University, they are viewed as historic participants and future ambassadors of India’s talent and capability on a global stage.
**Action Required**
Students must act with dedication and professionalism to enhance India’s global credibility and ensure their skills meet industry standards.
**Universities and Academic Institutions**
**Impact**
Institutions are identified as the primary drivers for bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical job-readiness.
**Action Required**
They must proactively update their curricula and focus on teaching new-age technologies to remain relevant to industry needs.
**Industry Partners**
**Impact**
Industry stakeholders are recognized for their role in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and their influence on national leadership.
**Action Required**
Industry partners must continue to collaborate with educational institutions and maintain a strong sense of social responsibility as they grow.
Key Entities Referenced
Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University: A specialized state university in Mumbai focused on vocational training and aligning education with industry requirements for better employability.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: The primary central government department responsible for coordinating skill development efforts and redefining vocational training in India.
Skill India: A flagship national mission aimed at empowering Indian youth with industry-relevant skills to enhance their employability.
PM-SETU: A major government initiative highlighted for its role in transforming the approach to skilling and human capital development.
Skill India Digital Hub: A digital infrastructure initiative designed to provide a unified platform for skilling, training, and employment opportunities.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan
Addresses First Convocation of Ratan Tata
Maharashtra State Skills University
Skilling is Key to India’s Journey Towards Becoming Global
Human Resource Hub: Vice-President
“Degrees Become Meaningful Only When They Translate into
Employability: Vice-President”
Posted On: 21 MAR 2026 4:58PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the first convocation of the Ratan Tata
Maharashtra State Skills University, Mumbai, as the Chief Guest today and addressed the graduating
students on the importance of skill development, employability and new-age technologies.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that the convocation was not just a celebration of
academic achievement, but a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global hub of
skilled human capital. Congratulating the graduating students, he noted that they have created history by
being the first batch of the University.
Reflecting on his earlier tenure as Governor of Maharashtra and other states, the Vice-President
emphasized that universities and academic institutions must continuously update their curriculum to meet
modern challenges and align education with industry requirements. He stressed that degrees are
meaningful only when they translate into employability and called for greater focus on skill development
and new-age technologies.
The Vice-President noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has
witnessed a transformative shift in its approach to skilling and human capital development. He highlighted
major initiatives such as Skill India, PM-SETU, the Skill India Digital Hub, the establishment of the
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and reforms in vocational training, stating that these
initiatives have redefined how India prepares its youth for the future.
The Vice-President also appreciated the vision of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra
Fadnavis, noting that the State is now competing with leading global economies.
Speaking about India’s demographic advantage, he said that India’s young population can become a great
strength if properly skilled, but can become a challenge if not equipped with the right skills. He urged the
graduates to act as ambassadors of India’s talent and capability wherever they work, noting that their
dedication and professionalism will enhance India’s global credibility.
Referring to the legacy of Ratan Tata, the Vice-President said that the University carries a profoundresponsibility to bridge the gap between education and employability while nurturing socially responsible
individuals. He noted that industry must grow along with a sense of social responsibility, which makes
great leaders role models for the nation.
The Vice-President also launched the “Say No to Drugs” campaign and visited the exhibition set up by
industry partners under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The convocation was attended by the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma; Chief Minister
Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Sunetra Ajit Pawar; Minister for Skills,
Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha; senior officials, faculty
members, parents and students.
****
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