Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has urged students to inculcate human qualities, most importantly, modesty and humility, love and compassion in everyone they meet.
Addressing the 53rd convocation of Utkal University here on Thursday, the President said the students should remember that peace and harmony are essential for human existence. She stressed that their compassion should not only be for humans, but also for all the living and non-living beings that share our planet.
The President said that since its inception, Utkal University has made its mark in the field of education not only in Odisha but also all over India. It is a leading university in the country in terms of its campus, environment, and teaching tradition, she said and paid tribute to all the visionaries who have contributed to the journey of this university.
“It was good fortune to have been a student of Utkal University”, she said, adding that many students of this university have brought honor to Utkal University by doing remarkable work in various fields.
The President noted that more than two lakh students are studying in colleges recognized under Utkal University and expressed her happiness that the percentage of girls is greater than boys among these students.
Murmu said when she was in school, her teachers often taught her to love her mother, motherland, and mother tongue. She stated that education in our mother tongue connects us with our culture. “We have inherited a very rich culture, and we have to preserve it, recognize our roots to preserve the Indian knowledge tradition”, the President said.
Governor of Odisha and Chancellor of Utkal University Raghubar Das emphasized the significance of the convocation ceremony as a pivotal moment for the graduating students. He urged them to approach their future endeavors with dedication and commitment, aiming to uphold the reputation of their alma mater wherever they go. Shri Das highlighted the evolving opportunities in India’s changing landscape, particularly in sectors like digital technology, startups, and innovation. He also praised the efforts of the government in promoting higher education and research, emphasizing the importance of quality teaching and the inclusion of internships and business-oriented courses in the National Education Policy.
Minister of Higher Education Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak acknowledged the foundational role of Utkal University in higher education, both in Odisha and across India. He highlighted the significant growth of the higher education sector in the state, attributing it to increased funding and initiatives of the State government. Shri Naik emphasized the importance of quality teaching and research, stressing the government’s commitment to supporting students’ progress and promoting women’s participation in higher education, including through Ph.D. programs. He also praised the university’s potential to serve as a milestone in the educational landscape.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sabita Acharya underscored the university’s vision and achievements in her welcome address. Utkal University’s future, she said, will always be based on inclusion, diversity and innovation.
On this occasion, distinguished individuals including Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Director General of India Meteorological Department Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra and Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Ltd. Satish Pai were conferred with Honoris Causa.
A total of 166 students were awarded PhD degrees, while 95 received gold medals in recognition of their academic excellence. Additionally, 106 individuals were honored with prizes and scholarships, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the university community.