The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 11th convocation of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University at Srinagar (Garhwal) (November 8, 2023).
Speaking on the occasion, the President noted that the people’s movement played a major role in the establishment of this university. She said that a movement for education in the 1970’s is a symbol of the developed public consciousness in this region. The President was happy to note that since its establishment in 1973, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna University has adapted itself with the times. She said that today, when we are moving towards women-led development, the theme of the 11th convocation ‘Empowered Women, Prosperous Nation’ reflects the progressive thinking of this university.
The President said that people of Uttarakhand have always given importance to education. She added that people’s attachment to education is also reflected in the literacy rate of the state, which has been better than the national average. She stated that this region has given many great talents to Hindi literature from Sumitranandan Pant to Manohar Shyam Joshi, Shivani, Himanshu Joshi and Manglesh Dabral.
The President said that Uttarakhand is a highly environmentally sensitive state. She added that for sustainable development and optimal use of resources – research and new innovations are needed. She further said that achieving economic development and creating employment opportunities by keeping in mind local needs and constraints is both a challenge and an opportunity. She stated that being the only Central University of this state, the responsibility of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna University is even higher. She emphasised that all stakeholders of this university should make efforts to use knowledge for the welfare of people.
The President was happy to note that the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna University is completing 50 years of its establishment on December 1 this year. She said that this golden journey is an opportunity to be proud of, but it is also an occasion for all stakeholders to draw future plans and resolve to make those successful. The President advised graduating students to not forget their roots; never compromise with their moral values like truth, honesty and fairness; and do their best to help the people who have been left behind in the developmental journey.