President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of education and technology reach rural areas to promote balanced and sustainable development. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology in Hisar, Haryana, the President highlighted the critical role of higher educational institutions in preparing the younger generation to meet evolving global demands.
Importance of Education and Technology in Rural Areas
President Murmu stressed that the advancement of education and technology should not remain limited to urban areas. She stated that world-class research conducted in higher educational institutions could play a key role in establishing India as a Global Knowledge Super Power. She encouraged higher education institutions to focus on creating equal opportunities for students from small towns and villages.
She was pleased to note that Guru Jambheshwar University has a high number of students from rural backgrounds. She urged these students to raise awareness in their communities about the importance of education and inspire others to pursue quality education.
Education Beyond Knowledge and Skills
The President emphasized that education is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills—it also shapes an individual’s character and social values. She highlighted that education develops essential life values such as:
- Morality
- Compassion
- Tolerance
She underlined that education makes individuals employable while also making them aware of their social responsibilities. A well-rounded education, she noted, fosters a sense of accountability toward society and the nation.
Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility
President Murmu encouraged students to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. She explained that entrepreneurship helps students fulfill social responsibilities by enabling them to:
- Identify opportunities
- Take calculated risks
- Find innovative solutions to existing problems
By becoming entrepreneurs, students could develop creative solutions to social challenges and contribute to the progress of society. The President advised students to shift their mindset from seeking employment to generating employment. She stressed that using their knowledge and skills to create opportunities would empower them to make meaningful contributions to society and support India’s goal of becoming a developed nation.
Role of Higher Education Institutions
President Murmu underscored the importance of higher education institutions in this process. She highlighted that institutions like Guru Jambheshwar University have a major role in equipping students with the skills and mindset required to meet global challenges.
She called on universities to:
- Improve access to education for rural students
- Promote innovative thinking and entrepreneurship
- Encourage students to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems
President Murmu concluded by expressing her confidence that through equal access to education and technology, India could achieve balanced regional development and strengthen its position as a global leader in education and innovation.