Pune: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, attended the 21st convocation of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune, Maharashtra, where she addressed students, urging them to use their knowledge and skills to bring about positive change in both India and abroad.
In her speech, President Murmu emphasized that the graduating students are now equipped to make significant contributions in various fields such as management, healthcare, law, social sciences, and technology. She highlighted the importance of leveraging innovations, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to create products and solutions that benefit all sections of society, particularly the underprivileged. She also encouraged students to engage with the diverse cultures and communities across India, tailoring their efforts to meet local needs and promote sustainability.
The President also noted the progress of gender equality at Symbiosis International, where the ratio of male and female students is nearly equal. She stressed the importance of Nari Shakti (women’s empowerment) as a key indicator of the nation’s development. She commended the university’s efforts in fostering gender equity and providing a supportive environment for women’s education. President Murmu called on other educational institutions to prioritize girls’ education and ensure a safe and encouraging space for them.
Lauding the university’s healthcare initiatives, including the establishment of ‘Symbiosis Arogya Dham’ and mobile family health clinics for surrounding villages, President Murmu remarked on the importance of combining value-based education with cutting-edge technology for the holistic development of students.
The President also urged Symbiosis University’s faculty and alumni to promote research, pointing out that years of research lead to innovation and problem-solving on a global scale. She referenced the National Education Policy’s focus on research and praised the university’s multidisciplinary research centers working on key issues like water resource management, climate change, stem cells, and nanoscience.
In closing, President Murmu advised the students to pursue excellence in everything they do, underscoring that true success lies not just in material wealth but in uplifting the lives of others. She expressed confidence that Symbiosis graduates would understand the deeper meaning of success and make meaningful contributions to society.