Stay away from substance abuse, value time, Tripura University VC tells students

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 1, 2026

Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Debabrata Das has urged students to stay away from substance abuse, cultivate a positive outlook and make constructive use of their time as they begin their university life.

Addressing the ‘Deeksharambh (Students’ Induction Programme) 2026’ at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Shatabarshiki Bhawan on the university campus at Suryamaninagar on Tuesday, Prof. Das said students should focus on developing their abilities rather than measuring themselves against others.

“Every moment of life is important. Twenty years from now, when you look back, the present time could become one of the most beautiful chapters of your life,” he said, according to officials associated with the programme.

Prof. Das emphasised the importance of family and friendship in a student’s life and said young people should enjoy the present while remaining conscious of their responsibility to build their future. He cautioned students against making excuses that could lead them towards substance abuse and instead encouraged them to find reasons to make their lives healthier and more meaningful.

The Vice-Chancellor also advised students to compete with themselves rather than with others. Social and economic differences, he said, should not become the yardstick by which students judge themselves or others. Improving one’s own skills and capabilities should remain the principal objective.

He also spoke about the importance of recognising and utilising opportunities at the right time. According to him, every individual encounters periods when opportunities arise, and the ability to identify and use them can make a difference to one’s future. Students, he said, should not allow difficult circumstances to lead to despair.

Referring to the increasingly complex nature of problems in contemporary society, Prof. Das said many challenges could not be addressed by individuals working in isolation. Teamwork and collaboration, he said, could help find solutions to difficult problems.

The university’s officiating Registrar, Prof. Samir Kumar Sil, advised students to complete their tasks on time and maintain regularity in their studies.

Lt. Col. Rohan Gupta spoke about the role of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in improving the quality of life and discipline among young people. He also explained various aspects of NCC training to the students.

Prof. Chinmoy Roy, Prof. Parthasarathi Gupta, Finance Officer Debashish Pal, Prof. Indranil Bhowmik and Prof. Ashesh Gupta were among those present at the programme. Dr. Sindhu Paudyal proposed the vote of thanks.

The induction programme was organised for newly admitted students and sought to familiarise them with the academic and institutional environment of the Central university.

Prof. Das, who took charge as Vice-Chancellor earlier this year, has emphasised teaching, research, innovation, ethical leadership and collaboration as key elements of the university’s academic environment. The university’s official website describes its institutional priorities as including learner-centric education, technology-enabled learning, research and innovation, and good governance.

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