THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
CUTTACK, AUGUST 3, 2026
Stressing that India's demographic dividend is its greatest
strength, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said universities must create an
environment where young people can develop their talents and realise their
dreams and aspirations, asserting that higher educational institutions have a
crucial role in shaping value-based, responsible citizens and achieving the
goal of a developed India by 2047.
The President made the remarks after inaugurating the
Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack, Odisha, saying that institutions of
higher learning must not only impart knowledge but also nurture integrity,
discipline, sensitivity and commitment to national interest among students.
Addressing the gathering, Murmu said Odisha has a rich legacy
of knowledge, culture, spirituality and service, and for centuries the sacred
land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath has spread the message of inclusivity, compassion
and human welfare. She said the region of Cuttack has produced several
illustrious personalities, including 'Utkal Gourav' Madhusudan Das, 'Karmavir'
Gauri Shankar Ray, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Biju Patnaik, while
'Utkalmani' Pandit Gopabandhu Das and 'Utkal Kesari' Dr Harekrushna Mahtab
carried out their life's work in the city. The President said Cuttack's immense
contribution to public service, literature and culture continues to inspire
generations.
Expressing confidence in the newly established university,
Murmu said Jagadguru Kripalu University, located in such a historically and
culturally significant region, would emerge as a powerful medium for serving
society and the nation by harmonising India's ancient cultural and spiritual
traditions with modern education.
Highlighting India's youthful population as one of the
country's greatest assets, the President said universities must provide an
ecosystem that enables young people to nurture their abilities and fulfil their
aspirations. She emphasised that students should receive value-based education,
adding that universities carry the responsibility of shaping citizens guided by
integrity, discipline, compassion and dedication to the national interest.
She said the knowledge acquired by young people attains true
significance only when it is utilised for the service of humanity, the welfare
of society and the progress of the nation.
Referring to the national vision of building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, Murmu said higher education institutions have a pivotal role in realising this objective. She urged universities to function as centres of knowledge where innovative ideas and technologies are developed to address societal needs while ensuring that students remain rooted in ethical values even as they embrace modern knowledge.
The President said she was pleased to note that Jagadguru Kripalu University would promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship while placing equal emphasis on the cultural and spiritual development of students. She expressed confidence that the institution would produce skilled professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs who would make significant contributions towards achieving the goals of both 'Viksit Odisha' and 'Viksit Bharat'.
