A delegation of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) met Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on June 24 in what marked the organisation's first formal interaction with him after he assumed office. Led by ABVP National President Prof. Raghuraj Kishore Tiwari and National General Secretary Dr Virendra Singh Solanki, the delegation congratulated the Vice President on his new role before holding detailed discussions on youth empowerment, higher education and student welfare.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Vice President on ABVP's nationwide organisational activities, student movements and initiatives aimed at encouraging greater student participation in national development.
SEIL at 60 and campaigns for today's youth
A key highlight of the discussion was the completion of 60 years of ABVP's flagship programme, Students' Experience in Interstate Living (SEIL). According to the organisation, the initiative has helped strengthen cultural exchange and emotional integration between students from the North-East and the rest of India over the past six decades.
The delegation also spoke about its "Screen Time to Activity Time" campaign, which encourages young people to reduce excessive screen use and participate in sports, physical activities and social service. Upcoming nationwide programmes marking the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the 650th Birth Anniversary of Sant Ravidas Ji and the legacy of Veerangana Rani Abbakka were also presented.
ABVP's women's safety initiative, Mission Sahasi, was another major topic of discussion. The organisation said the programme has already provided self-defence training to more than one million female students and plans are underway to launch its next phase across the country.
Punjab University issues placed before Vice President
The delegation also raised several concerns related to Punjab University. These included representation of elected student representatives in the University Senate, expansion of hostel facilities in line with rising student enrolment and regular appointments to vacant teaching positions.
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It also proposed the establishment of a dedicated centre for Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, along with Yoga and Mindfulness Centres and a Student Welfare and Mental Health Support Centre with permanent counsellors.
Speaking after the meeting, ABVP National General Secretary Dr Virendra Singh Solanki said, "Important concerns related to Punjab University were raised prominently, including student representation in the University Senate, expansion of hostel facilities, regular appointments to vacant teaching positions, establishment of a centre for Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, and the need for Yoga and Mindfulness Centres to support students' mental health. We are confident that this constructive dialogue will provide renewed momentum to student welfare, youth empowerment and the resolution of important issues concerning Punjab University."
