President Draupadi Murmu presents a degree to a student during the 10th convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow on February 13, 2023. Photo Credit: PTI
President Draupadi Murmu on February 13 urged educational institutions to encourage research and innovation, while expressing hope that some students would become good teachers or professors.
Addressing the 10th convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, Ms. Murmu said that today India has the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world.
He said, “All educational institutions, especially universities and technical institutions, should take full advantage of this ecosystem and encourage research and innovation among students.”
The President said that their efforts will go a long way in making India a leading nation in innovation and technology.
He also called for linking education with the investment and business friendly environment created by the Global Investors Summit in Uttar Pradesh.
“Our universities should develop themselves as a center where new research is done for public welfare, a center of the fourth industrial revolution and an incubation center for start-ups.
He said, “It would be a matter of great happiness if our educational institutions also become (a) messengers of new revolution and social prosperity and equality.”
Highlighting BR Ambedkar, the President said the Dalit icon considered it a fundamental duty of a university to provide education to the poor and needy. “According to him, an educational institution should provide quality education to all without any discrimination,” he added.
He appreciated the university’s work for the upliftment of SC and ST students by giving 50% reservation to them and expressed confidence that it will continue to spread education in Uttar Pradesh and India as per Ambedkar’s ideals.
The President also advised the graduating students to start working on whatever they want to be in life from today itself.
Wishing that some of the students would become good teachers or professors, Ms. Murmu said that education and teaching are interlinked. He said that good teachers are needed for better education system.
He said that our promising students should make their valuable contribution in making the future of the country bright by adopting teaching as a profession.
The President said that he was confident that the graduating students would move forward on the strength of education and knowledge.
But at the same time they should be connected to our values and culture, only then they can lead a meaningful and satisfying life. He also advised them to always strive for excellence.
The President said that whenever a crisis arises, “think of finding a solution and take it as an opportunity”. He said that this will enhance the personality.