Cuttack: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday lauded Ravenshaw University’s rich legacy, highlighting its historical significance in India’s freedom struggle and Odisha’s statehood movement.
She also emphasised its role in advancing education and women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the 13th annual convocation of the varsity at Cuttack this afternoon, Murmu said she may have visited the varsity for the first time as the President but had been to its hostel earlier as her daughter was a student here for two years. “I experienced varied emotions as I stepped into the campus as it brought back those memories,” she said.
She said that the institution has been continuously contributing to education, research, and social empowerment. “Ravenshaw is no less than a Shaligram (sacred place) with its alumni having brought honour to the nation as freedom fighters, scholars, thinkers, political leaders, scientists and artists,” she said.
She lauded Ravenshaw’s strides in research, innovation, and industry collaboration through consultancy and technology transfers, particularly through its Centre of Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, which fosters ideation, research, and startups. She also acknowledged the university’s efforts to make education accessible to tribal, underprivileged, and disabled students, stressing the value of inclusive education for a just society.
Describing India’s “Amrit Kaal” as a pivotal period, President Murmu termed the spirit of nation first as the biggest strength. “India has come a long way in the fields of infrastructure, healthcare, space, science and technology and artificial intelligence. Our professionals and other people active in various fields are working with the sentiment of enhancing the pride of India. Students should take inspiration from them and contribute to the country’s development with their knowledge, skills and devotion,” she said.
She further stated that education will have a pivotal role in nation-building and shaping India’s future while achieving the goal of a developed nation by 2047. She stressed the students after completing their courses should not become job seekers; rather, they should become job givers and begin innovative enterprises.
Later in the day, Murmu laid the foundation stone for redeveloping three buildings at Ravenshaw Girls’ High School in Cuttack. She praised the central and state governments for prioritising girls’ education and highlighted the achievements of female students when given equal opportunities.
Interacting with the students there, the President advised them to take inspiration from women who are setting new standards of success in various fields. She said that they could achieve even the impossible with the strength of their knowledge, self-confidence, skill and determination.
Murmu is scheduled to grace the birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das, a great Odia poet and scholar born in the 15th Century and present the Kalinga Ratna Award for 2024 also at Cuttack.