Vice-President returns to Thoothukudi alma mater for Platinum Jubilee, recalls Emergency days

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan returned to his alma mater, V.O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi, on 11 November as chief guest at its Platinum Jubilee celebrations and alumni meet.

Radhakrishnan studied at the college from 1975 to 1978. He paid floral tributes to the statue of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, inaugurated an arch marking the college's 75th anniversary, visited his old classroom and met classmates from the 1975–78 batch.

What he said

• He recalled his teachers and campus life and said the college had shaped his outlook. He also spoke of taking part in the movement against the Emergency while a student, and of raising funds for families of those imprisoned.
• Paying tribute to V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, he highlighted the freedom fighter's sacrifices and commitment to workers' welfare.
• On national unity, he said India's unity safeguards the language, culture and identity of its diverse communities, including Tamil culture. He urged students to take pride in their mother tongue, learn multiple languages and take Tamil to the global stage.
• He asked the college to preserve its legacy while embracing new technologies, scientific research and emerging disciplines to make quality education accessible to all sections of society.

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Source: official release by the Vice President's Secretariat, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (11 NOV 2026 3:54PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Vice-President attends Platinum Jubilee celebrations of his alma mater, V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi.