The next two decades will be decisive in shaping a ‘Viksit Bharat’, President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday, stressing that India’s future rests on young people who possess scientific temper, act responsibly and serve society selflessly.
Addressing the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, the President urged institutions of higher education to inculcate these values among students and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
She called upon students to ensure that whichever profession they choose, their work strengthens the nation and reinforces human values, underlining that education goes beyond securing livelihoods.
During her address, Murmu expressed concern over the drug menace, particularly in Punjab, saying young people in the state have been among the worst affected in recent years. She noted that the problem has far-reaching consequences for the health, social fabric, economy and moral foundations of society.
“A lasting solution to this problem is essential for a healthy society. In this context, the role of educational institutions like Guru Nanak Dev University is crucial. All stakeholders of this university should make every possible effort to guide the youth in the right direction,” she said.
The President reminded students that education is also a means of serving society and the nation. She said graduates owe a debt to society, which contributes to their education, and that uplifting those left behind in the development process is one way of repaying that obligation.
She noted that after completing formal education, students would embark on varied paths, entering government or private service, pursuing higher studies or research, starting enterprises, or choosing careers in teaching.
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While each field demands specific skills, Murmu said certain qualities are essential across professions. “These are - a continuous desire and inclination to learn; firm adherence to moral values, integrity, and honesty, even in adverse and difficult circumstances; the courage to embrace change; the determination to learn from failures and move forward; a spirit of teamwork and collaboration; disciplined use of time and resources; and using knowledge and abilities not for individual gain, but for the greater good of society and the nation,” she said.
She added that these qualities would shape not only capable professionals but also responsible citizens.
Referring to India’s progress over the past decade, the President said the country has made significant advances in technology development and entrepreneurship. “Today, numerous entrepreneurial opportunities from Agriculture to AI and from defence to space are available to young people. Our higher education institutions can further accelerate this progress by promoting research, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and encouraging socially relevant innovations,” she said.
Murmu also spoke about the legacy of Guru Nanak Dev, noting that the university was established during his 500th birth anniversary and is guided by his teachings and values. She recalled that Guru Nanak Dev emphasised equal rights for women.
She said she was pleased to see Guru Nanak Dev University striving for women’s empowerment, reflected in the large number of female students receiving degrees and medals at the convocation.
Stating that women must be given opportunities to progress with confidence, the President said this was in the interest of both society and the nation. She added that Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings form a shared heritage and offer solutions to many challenges facing society today.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria was among those present at the event.
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