Chandigarh, Dec. 14 -- The chancellor of Panjab University and Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, on Saturday urged students to stay away from drugs and be mindful of their social media usage. Addressing students through a video message at Panjab University's 73rd convocation, Radhakrishnan congratulated the graduating cohort and described the convocation as a shared milestone for parents, teachers and mentors and encouraged them to carry forward the university's legacy by shaping innovation, entrepreneurship and social progress with a sense of purpose and responsibility. As many as 716 degree and medal awardees were conferred degrees, medals and prizes at the ceremony. Placing their achievements in a larger context, the chancellor reminded graduates that they were stepping into a world of rapid global change, where India is increasingly emerging as a creator of technology and ideas, adding that a degree marked the beginning of greater responsibilities, not the end goal. Referring to the National Education Policy 2020 and the university's Institutional Development Plan 2025, the chancellor said PU had published around 11,000 research papers in the past five years, contributing to the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also cited initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India and Make in India, urging students to focus on innovation rooted in Indian knowledge systems. The chancellor, who usually presides over the convocation ceremony, was this year replaced by Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. Addressing the gathering, Kataria noted that nearly 75 per cent of the graduating students were women, calling it a strong reflection of women's empowerment through education. He added that despite producing notable alumni ranging from former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to cricketer Kapil Dev, and achievers across diverse fields, the university still has significant potential to further strengthen its global standing. Punjab education minister Harjot Singh Bains, who is also a PU alumnus was present at the convocation ceremony as well. Traditionally held in March-April, the university's convocation was organised earlier than the usual course, following a suggestion by the Vice President to ensure it is conducted within the same academic calendar year. This marked the second convocation in 2025, the first having been held in March, which saw a turnout of 892 PhD and medal awardees. It was presided over by the President and the Vice President of India. Panjab University's vice-chancellor Renu Vig announced that from next year onwards, Panjab University's convocation will be held annually during October-November, aligning the academic calendar more closely with degree completion....