THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

AMRITSAR, JANUARY 15, 2026

Calling upon young graduates to view education as a larger social responsibility rather than merely a pathway to employment, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that true learning finds its purpose in serving society and strengthening the nation. Addressing the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) at Amritsar in Punjab, she urged students to combine professional excellence with moral values and a spirit of public service.

Speaking to graduating students, the President said that as they step into diverse paths — whether in government, private enterprise, research, entrepreneurship or teaching — they would require not only specialised skills but also timeless human qualities. She emphasised the importance of a lifelong desire to learn, unwavering integrity and honesty even in adversity, courage to embrace change, resilience in the face of failure, teamwork, disciplined use of time and resources, and a commitment to use knowledge for the greater good. She noted that these qualities would shape not only successful professionals but also responsible and conscientious citizens.

President Murmu reminded students that education is not confined to securing livelihoods alone. It is equally a means of giving back to society and the nation that has contributed to their growth. She said that making sincere efforts to uplift those left behind in the development journey is one of the most meaningful ways of repaying this social debt.

Highlighting India’s progress over the last decade, the President said the country has witnessed remarkable growth in technology development and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. From agriculture to artificial intelligence and from defence to space, she said, young Indians today have access to unprecedented opportunities. She added that higher education institutions can play a decisive role in accelerating this momentum by promoting research, strengthening industry-academia collaboration and encouraging innovations that are socially relevant.

Expressing concern over the growing challenge of drug abuse in Punjab, President Murmu said the problem has emerged as a serious threat to the youth, impacting the health, social, economic and moral fabric of society. She stressed that a lasting solution is essential and said educational institutions like Guru Nanak Dev University have a critical responsibility in guiding young people towards constructive and purposeful lives. She called upon all stakeholders of the university to make concerted efforts in this direction.

The President underlined that the next two decades will be crucial in the journey towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. She said the future of India rests on young citizens who possess scientific temper, act responsibly and serve selflessly. She urged higher education institutions to consciously inculcate these values and appealed to students to ensure that whatever profession they choose, their work strengthens the nation and reinforces human values.

Recalling the legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, President Murmu said the university’s establishment during the 500th birth anniversary of the revered Sikh Guru gives it a special responsibility. She described Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings as a shared heritage whose ideals continue to guide humanity towards welfare and harmony, adding that incorporating these values into daily life can help address many societal challenges.

Highlighting the Guru’s teachings on gender equality, the President said women must be given equal rights and opportunities in society. She expressed happiness that GNDU is actively promoting women’s empowerment, reflected in the significant presence of female students among degree and medal recipients at the convocation. She said it is in the best interest of society and the nation that women move forward with confidence, and called upon everyone to work collectively towards this goal.