Srinagar, Feb 25: Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan was accorded a warm welcome at Srinagar International Airport on Wednesday during his maiden visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after assuming office.
He was received at the airport by Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, along with senior officials and other dignitaries. A ceremonial reception and Guard of Honour were presented to the Vice-President upon his arrival.
Radhakrishnan is scheduled to attend the 21st Convocation Ceremony of the University of Kashmir on February 26 as the Chief Guest, where he will also deliver the convocation address. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is the Chancellor of the University, will preside over the ceremony, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Pro-Chancellor, will attend as the Guest of Honour.
Meanwhile, security has been intensified across Kashmir ahead of the Vice-President’s visit. Officials said that a comprehensive multi-layered security grid has been put in place, particularly around the University of Kashmir campus in the Hazratbal area and other vital installations in Srinagar.
Additional checkpoints have been established at key entry points across the city, and increased patrolling, area domination exercises, and surprise inspections are being carried out along major roadways to prevent any untoward incidents. Elaborate arrangements have also been made to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the high-profile visit.
During the convocation ceremony, a total of 59,558 degrees will be conferred, including 44,910 undergraduate degrees, 13,545 postgraduate degrees, 461 MD/MS degrees, four MCh degrees, 18 M.Phil degrees, and 620 Ph.D degrees.
This marks Vice-President Radhakrishnan’s first visit to Kashmir since assuming office.
