THOOTHUKUDI – 12 Nov, 2026 Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, today attended the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Alumni Meet of V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, as the Chief Guest. The college is his alma mater, where he studied from 1975 to 1978.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan graced the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Alumni Meet of V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, today. It was a special occasion for him to return to his alma mater and reconnect with an institution that holds a cherished place in his life.
He paid floral tributes to the statue of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai on the college campus and inaugurated a commemorative arch marking the institution’s 75th anniversary. He also visited his former classroom and interacted with his classmates from the 1975–78 batch, fondly recalling his college days.
At V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. https://t.co/FvcGp05N84
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 1975–78 batch Alumni Meet at his alma mater, V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi. He revisited his old classroom, interacted warmly with his classmates and fondly relived cherished memories of their college days. https://t.co/NRaxStEALq
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President recalled how the college, its teachers and the personalities he encountered there shaped his outlook and prepared him for greater responsibilities. He fondly remembered his teachers’ lessons, campus life and the values he imbibed during his student years.
Recalling the Emergency, he spoke about his participation in the movement against it while studying at the college. He also recalled mobilising funds to support the families of those who had been imprisoned during the period.
Paying tribute to V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, he highlighted the freedom fighter’s immense sacrifices, his commitment to workers’ welfare and his enduring contribution to the freedom struggle.
Emphasising national unity, the Vice-President said India’s strength as a united nation safeguards the language, culture and identity of its diverse communities, including Tamil culture. He urged students to strengthen national consciousness while taking pride in their mother tongue. He also encouraged them to learn multiple languages and take Tamil to the global stage.