Vice President C P Radhakrishnan has called upon students to unite in the fight against drugs. He was speaking after inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Fatima Mata National College, Kollam in Kerala today.  The Vice President urged students to maintain discipline throughout their lives and exercise self control in all matters. Mr. Radhakrishan reminded them not to misuse the freedom they enjoy. Referring to the Prime Minister’s call for Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Vice President said, Fatima Mata National College will be celebrating its centenary in three years after 2047, and its next chapter will be even brighter through contributions to Atmanirbhar Bharat.  The Vice President also lauded Kerala’s remarkable role in shaping the nation’s educational landscape. 

Kerala Governor Rajendra Prasad Arlekar, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, the Vice President was received at the Kollam Helipad by the State Finance Minister K N Balagopal.  The Vice President is on his maiden visit to Kerala after assuming charge.  He will interact with representatives of  the Federation of Indian Coir Exporters Associations in the evening before returning to State Capital Thiruvananthapuram.