Amritsar, January 15
President Droupadi Murmu graced the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar, Punjab, today, delivering an inspiring address to graduating students on the broader purpose of education and the role of youth in nation-building.
Essential Qualities for Success and Citizenship
President Murmu highlighted that while career paths vary—government jobs, private sector roles, higher studies, research, entrepreneurship, or teaching—certain universal qualities drive progress in every field. She emphasized on continuous desire and inclination to learn, firm adherence to moral values, integrity and honesty even in adverse circumstances. She called upon for courage to embrace change and determination to learn from failures and move forward. President Mumru said asked students to work with a spirit of teamwork and collaboration and pressed upon disciplined use of time and resources. She called upon for using knowledge and abilities not for individual gain, but for the greater good of society and the nation. She added that these will shape students into not just good professionals, but responsible citizens.
Repay Society’s Debt
The President reminded students that “education is not merely a means of livelihood; it is also a means of serving society and the nation.” She urged them to repay the societal debt that enabled their education by uplifting those left behind in India’s development journey.
Boosting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Noting India’s progress in technology and entrepreneurship over the last decade, President Murmu pointed to vast opportunities for youth in sectors from agriculture to AI, defence and space. She called on higher education institutions to accelerate this by promoting research, industry-academia ties, and socially relevant innovations.
Tackling Punjab’s Drug Abuse Crisis
Addressing a pressing local issue, the President described drug abuse as a “serious challenge in Punjab, affecting the youth the most” and eroding health, social, economic, and moral fabrics. She stressed the crucial role of institutions like GNDU, urging all stakeholders to guide youth toward positive paths for a lasting solution and a healthy society.
Vision for Viksit Bharat and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Legacy
With the next two decades pivotal for ‘Viksit Bharat‘, President Murmu said India’s future hinges on youth with scientific temper, responsibility and selflessness. She called on higher education bodies to instill these values and urged students to choose professions that strengthen the nation and human values. Established during the 500th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, GNDU embodies his teachings as guiding principles. The President praised Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s ideals as a shared heritage offering solutions to societal problems, including equal rights for women—a value reflected in the convocation’s female-dominated degree and medal recipients.
She affirmed that empowering women aligns with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s vision and serves society and the nation, encouraging collective efforts for their confident progress.
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