President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday asked students to think differently through 'innovative independence in intellect' and practical application.

Addressing the 10th convocation of Mizoram University at Thanril near Aizawl, Mukherjee said even though the number of universities and institutes of higher education had been proliferating in the country, the higher numbers should not mislead the students as many institutions are 'mired in mediocrity'.

Regretting the acts of violence on students from the Northeast in New Delhi and other places which he termed as 'unacceptable', Mukherjee said such events should not to be allowed to weaken the 'threads of unity' and the 'pluralistic ethos' of the country.

The convocation was attended, among others, by Mizoram governor Kesari Nath Tripathi (left) and chief minister Lal Thanhawla. Text by our Silchar correspondent, picture by PTI