JULY 15: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, addressed the convocation ceremony of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, Odisha, celebrating its rich legacy and contributions to education and national development.
Speaking at the event, President Murmu highlighted the university’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle and the movement for Odisha’s statehood. She praised Ravenshaw as a cradle of leadership, having nurtured freedom fighters, educators, scholars, artists, and reformers who shaped India’s social and political landscape.
The President commended Ravenshaw University’s strides in research, innovation, and inclusivity, noting its active consultancy and technology transfer collaborations with industry. She lauded its Centre for Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which fosters ideation, start-ups, and applied research. Importantly, she appreciated the university’s focus on increasing student enrollment from tribal, underprivileged, and differently-abled (divyangjan) communities.
Addressing the students, she emphasized that India is in the midst of Amrit Kaal—a pivotal period leading to the country’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. She urged students to adopt a “nation-first” mindset, drawing inspiration from the dedication of India’s soldiers, scientists, doctors, and professionals across fields. Their commitment to progress, she said, should serve as a model for the next generation.
President Murmu also stressed the importance of ethical use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing, acknowledging the university’s commendable use of these tools for academic growth.
Later in the day, she laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings at Ravenshaw Girls’ High School, reaffirming her support for advancing girls’ education. She expressed confidence that enhanced infrastructure would create a more robust learning environment and praised both Central and State governments for prioritizing education.
In her remarks, the President observed that girls often outperform when given equal opportunities and urged them to draw inspiration from the many Indian women breaking barriers in education, science, commerce, and technology. She encouraged girl students to aim high, assuring them that knowledge, confidence, and determination could help them achieve the seemingly impossible.
