President Murmu graces Guru Nanak Dev University Convocation, calls education a tool for nation-building

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday graced and addressed the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar, urging students to view education not merely as a means of earning a livelihood but as a powerful instrument for serving society and strengthening the nation.

Addressing graduating students, the President said that after completing formal education, young people would embark on diverse paths—ranging from government and private sector employment to higher studies, research, entrepreneurship, and teaching.

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While each profession demands specific skills, she underlined that certain qualities are essential for success in every field. These include a lifelong desire to learn, unwavering commitment to moral values, integrity and honesty, courage to adapt to change, resilience in the face of failure, teamwork, disciplined use of time and resources, and the use of knowledge for the larger good of society and the nation.

She emphasised that these attributes not only shape competent professionals but also responsible and conscientious citizens. “Education is not only a pathway to personal success; it is also a means to repay the debt we owe to society,” the President said, adding that uplifting those left behind in the development process is one of the most meaningful ways to give back.

Highlighting India’s progress over the last decade, President Murmu noted significant advances in technology development and the growth of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. She pointed out that today’s youth have unprecedented opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, defence and space.

Higher education institutions, she said, can further accelerate national progress by promoting research, strengthening industry–academia collaboration and encouraging innovations that are socially relevant.

Expressing concern over the growing problem of drug abuse in Punjab, particularly among the youth, the President described it as a serious challenge affecting the health, social harmony and moral fabric of society. She stressed that educational institutions like Guru Nanak Dev University have a crucial role to play in guiding young people in the right direction and contributing to long-term solutions.

Looking ahead, President Murmu said the next two decades would be decisive in achieving the goal of a “Viksit Bharat.” She urged universities to inculcate scientific temper, responsibility, and selfless service among students and called upon the youth to ensure that their professional contributions strengthen the nation and uphold human values.

The President also recalled that Guru Nanak Dev University was established during the 500th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose teachings form the guiding principles of the institution. She said his ideals, including equality and universal welfare, remain a shared heritage capable of offering solutions to many contemporary challenges.

Referring to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s emphasis on women’s equality, President Murmu expressed happiness over the strong representation of female students among degree and medal recipients, describing women’s empowerment as essential for the progress of society and the nation.