President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the 72nd convocation ceremony of Panjab University (PU) on Wednesday, underscored the importance of strengthening university-industry linkages and fostering future readiness among students.
She emphasised that education should not only impart knowledge but also support students in their life journeys and challenges.
The event marked a significant occasion as President Murmu became the sixth Indian president to address the PU convocation, following in the footsteps of Rajendra Prasad (1951), Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy (1981), Giani Zail Singh (1985), A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2007), and Pranab Mukherjee (2015).
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
In her speech, President Murmu highlighted PU’s evolution over the past 140 years into a premier institution of higher education. She lauded its contributions across academics, sports, research, and cultural domains, noting that the university has won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy 17 times, reflecting the dedication and determination of its athletes.
She also acknowledged the outstanding achievements of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, students of PU, who brought laurels to the nation by winning medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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A special mention was made of the university’s gender parity in education, with nearly equal numbers of male and female students. However, she pointed out an inspiring trend—over 80 percent of the university’s toppers are girls.
Congratulating them, she emphasized the significance of educating and empowering young women, asserting that their success not only benefits their families but also contributes to the progress of society and the nation. She also commended the parents and faculty for nurturing such exceptional talent.
President Murmu noted that PU and its affiliated colleges currently have over 1.82 lakh students enrolled, representing diverse regions of the country. She praised the university’s commitment to research, innovation, and global engagement in alignment with the National Education Policy.
She particularly appreciated initiatives such as the Population Research Centre and the Department of Community Education and Disability Studies, as well as the university’s efforts in extending educational opportunities to rural youth through its various schools in remote areas.
Addressing the policymakers of the university, she urged a stronger focus on forging connections between academia and industry to enhance career prospects for students. She stressed that education should be application-based and cater to the evolving needs of the professional world, ensuring that students, regardless of their field of study, acquire skills that support them in their personal and professional growth.
While not all students may pursue careers directly related to their academic disciplines, she asserted that the knowledge and competencies gained at the university should equip them to navigate their future challenges effectively.
Looking ahead, she acknowledged the increasing competitiveness of the global landscape and advised students to cultivate a positive mindset and acquire advanced skill sets to meet forthcoming challenges. She highlighted the necessity of staying updated with emerging technologies and developing the ability to leverage them for success.
The convocation ceremony also witnessed the conferral of honorary degrees upon distinguished mathematician R. J. Hans-Gill and renowned social worker Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide in recognition of their invaluable contributions to their respective fields.
In addition, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker was honored with the Khel Ratna, while acclaimed singer Jaspinder Narula received the Kala Ratna award for her contributions to the arts.
In a significant departure from tradition, the convocation ceremony saw students donning newly designed attires instead of the conventional robes and caps. The fresh ensemble featured a sleeveless ‘band gala’ button-down jacket made from handloom-blended fabric, embellished with heritage ‘Baag Phulkari’ embroidery, and adorned with the PU logo on the placket and neckline.
This new attire symbolized a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the university’s evolving identity while honouring its cultural heritage.
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