President Droupadi Murmu Attends Ravenshaw University Convocation, Lays Foundation for Girls’ School Redevelopment

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the convocation ceremony of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, Odisha, on Tuesday, where she highlighted the institution’s historical legacy and its continuing contributions to education, innovation, and women’s empowerment.

Addressing students, faculty, and dignitaries, the President recalled Ravenshaw’s pivotal role during the Indian freedom struggle and in the movement for the formation of Odisha as a separate state. She lauded the university for producing generations of luminaries — including freedom fighters, philosophers, scientists, political leaders, and artists — who brought prestige to the nation.

President Murmu praised Ravenshaw University’s strides in research, innovation, and inclusivity, and its efforts to reach underrepresented communities. She commended its Centre of Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for promoting ideation and start-up culture, and acknowledged its collaborations with industry through technology transfers and consultancy.

In her address, she emphasized the importance of modern technology in today’s world, citing Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, 3D Printing, and Cloud Computing as transformative forces. While applauding Ravenshaw’s use of these technologies, she urged caution to prevent misuse.

Speaking in the context of India’s vision for Amrit Kaal, the President encouraged students to embrace the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, and to draw inspiration from the country’s hardworking soldiers, farmers, doctors, scientists, and engineers. “Nation-first sentiment is our biggest strength,” she said, urging the youth to serve the country with dedication, knowledge, and skill.

Later, President Murmu laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls’ High School, also located in Cuttack. She stressed the importance of quality teaching and infrastructure in creating an enabling educational environment, especially for girls.

Highlighting that girls consistently perform better when given equal opportunities, she noted the increasing participation of women in fields ranging from education and science to commerce and leadership. She encouraged girl students to take inspiration from successful women and believe in their own potential.

President Murmu concluded with a message of empowerment, equity, and aspiration, underlining that with knowledge, self-confidence, and determination, today’s youth — especially young women — can achieve even the seemingly impossible.