ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU AT THE CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF THE CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TAMIL NADU

I am happy to be here today at the Convocation ceremony of the Central University of Tamil Nadu. This beautiful state of Tamil Nadu is a land renowned across the world for its ancient civilisation. Thiruvarur is also known for its rich cultural heritage.

I congratulate all the students, especially the medal winners, as well as their parents and teachers on this occasion. For students and their families, it is an unforgettable day. What they have achieved today is the culmination of years of hard work, and it will form the foundation of their careers ahead.

The teachers and administrators, both past and present, of the Central University of Tamil Nadu deserve special appreciation for maintaining high standards of academics and creating a stimulating environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Similarly, they must be applauded for extending the benefits of learning to a wider segment of society through extension education. I am told that the university has been taking up various issues to raise the awareness level of people in rural areas. This university has been making praiseworthy efforts to widen the net of extension education in rural areas of Tamil Nadu. This is a very good initiative.

Similarly, this university is actively contributing to the comprehensive development of the marginalised sections through initiatives like the Community College and the Dr. Ambedkar Centre for Excellence. Education, after all, must aim to link individual development with social development. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a renowned philosopher and one of my distinguished predecessors, put it very beautifully, when he said that literacy is not education; knowledge is not education; but the growth of wisdom, the capacity to look upon others with compassion, that is what is necessary. Whenever I have an opportunity to speak at convocation ceremonies, I emphasise that the education must be oriented towards the benefit of the society. In this context, I will also urge you to collaborate with the industry to make use of science and technology for the larger good of humanity, particularly enriching nature and ecology.

In the 14 years of its existence, this university has come to represent the diversity of India and nurtured talent from all over the country – literally from Ladakh to Lakshadweep. What is more heartening is the fact that the gender ratio of its nearly 3,000 students is tilted in favour of females. Moreover, I was especially delighted to see that girls have won more than two-third of the gold medals today. These are signs of a healthy and inclusive growth of the society. The Amrit Kal is going to be shaped by the youth, and I am confident that among the youth, our daughters’ contributions are going to make all the difference.

Dear Students,

I have been a school teacher. As they say, once a teacher, always a teacher. So I still love to interact with students. Today, I am happy to see the excitement on your faces. You are on the cusp of a new phase in your life. Many of you want to pursue education further, and many plan to start working. You have dreams about your career and about your life ahead. On today’s memorable occasion, let me share a few points for you to think over.

Even for those whose formal studies are getting completed today, it is worth remembering that being a student is a lifelong affair. Mahatma Gandhi, for example, remained a student all his life, learning languages like Tamil and Bangla, scriptures like the Gita, and skills like making sandals and spinning of Charkha, and so on. The list is practically endless in his case. Gandhiji remained exceptionally alert and active till his very last day. You should keep the sense of wonder alive and remain curious. This will promote continuous learning. Continuous learning will keep your skills always in demand.

In India, we have great and ancient traditions that sought knowledge for the sake of knowledge. In today’s digital age, you are in the enviable position of having so many learning resources available to you. It is far easier for you to rediscover our rich legacy than it was for any previous generation. This is at the heart of the National Education Policy; it brings together the best of tradition and modernity.

Even to the more practical-minded among you, my advice is: keep learning. In the last couple of decades, the internet revolution has transformed our world in such a way that many new professions which we had never imagined have come up. Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Revolution 4.0, will further change the work culture. In such a dynamic environment, those who can adapt and learn new skills will become leaders of change.

It is also worth being mindful of what it means to be a citizen of this great nation. It is a source of pride and confidence. It also places great responsibilities on you. You are part of a society that has contributed to your achievement today. Others have helped you reach here and so you should help those who need a helping hand. That is how a society progresses and a nation grows.

Your university’s stated mission is to build “a strong character and nurture a value-based transparent work ethics”. I hope you will extend that ethical aspect from work to the rest of life. That will develop in you the sensitivity, which is what we need today. You should show special concern for those sections of people who are underprivileged or deprived. You should be sensitive towards the needs of people and the environment around you. Your strong values and character will not only guide you in making positive impact but will also help you succeed in every aspect of life.

I once again congratulate all of you, students, teachers and others. To the students, my best wishes for their career and for their role in shaping the future of the nation.

Thank you!
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!