Critical Thinking Is The Soul Of JNU, Says Dharmendra Pradhan At 9th Convocation

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday attended the 9th convocation ceremony of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which was held in the presence of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. Congratulating

the students who received degrees and medals at the ceremony, Pradhan wished them a bright future and praised JNU’s long-standing contribution to higher education in the country.

The minister said that through years of consistent academic work, JNU has built a strong tradition of academic excellence. He noted that the university has been among the leading institutions in India that have promoted real academic autonomy in an interdisciplinary environment, with critical thinking forming the core of its academic culture.

Addressing the graduating students, Pradhan urged them to carry forward JNU’s values of inclusivity, social justice and responsibility. He encouraged them to become voices for the marginalised and work towards reducing inequalities in society.

The education minister said that some students may go on to strengthen democracy by serving in Parliament and state legislatures, while others may contribute to nation-building by serving in government institutions.

ALSO READ: NTA Issues Advisory For CUET PG 2026 Applicants; Details Here

He added that graduates could also play key roles as strategic experts and ambassadors, help strengthen India’s global standing, build start-ups and unicorns through innovation and entrepreneurship, or shape public discourse as writers, journalists and thought leaders.

Pradhan said the country expects the youth to make active and positive contributions towards achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.