Bhubaneswar: The 53rd convocation of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar witnessed the esteemed presence of the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, as she addressed the graduating class today, highlighting the university’s significant contributions to education in Odisha and across the nation.
In her address, President Murmu acknowledged Utkal University’s historical journey, commending its distinguished standing in the realm of education. The President paid heartfelt tributes to the visionaries who have played pivotal roles in shaping the university’s legacy.
Expressing her personal connection to the institution, President Murmu shared that she considers herself fortunate to have been a student of Utkal University. She proudly recognized the accomplishments of numerous Utkal alumni who have brought honor to the university through remarkable achievements in various fields.
The President emphasized the university’s current enrollment, with over two lakh students studying in colleges affiliated with Utkal University. She particularly celebrated the higher percentage of female students, urging all students to embrace human values, notably modesty, humility, love, and compassion. President Murmu stressed the importance of fostering peace and harmony for the well-being of humanity, extending compassion not only to fellow humans but also to all living and non-living beings sharing the planet.
Reflecting on her own educational journey, President Murmu reminisced about her teachers instilling the values of love for mother, motherland, and mother tongue. Emphasizing the significance of education in one’s mother tongue, she highlighted its role in preserving cultural ties. President Murmu urged students to recognize their roots and actively contribute to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the need to connect with the country’s knowledge traditions.
The President’s address resonated with the graduates, faculty, and guests present, inspiring a sense of pride in Utkal University’s past achievements and motivating the new generation to carry forward the torch of knowledge and values.