On February 25, 2023, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, addressed the 99th convocation of the University of Delhi. The convocation ceremony is held at the university’s historic Viceregal Lodge, which was built in 1888 and served as the residence of the British Viceroy during the colonial era.
The ceremony was attended by thousands of students who had completed their degrees in various fields, including science, humanities, social sciences, and commerce. The President’s address was eagerly awaited by the students and faculty members alike, as it is customary for the President of India to address the convocation of the University of Delhi every year.
In her address, President Murmu praised the university for its contributions to the development of India’s education system and its role in nurturing some of India’s brightest minds. She emphasized the need for universities to focus on providing quality education that is relevant to the changing needs of society and the economy.
The President also spoke about the challenges faced by the country, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, and urged the students to use their knowledge and skills to address these challenges. She reminded them of their responsibility as educated citizens to contribute to the development of the country and make it a better place for all.
President Murmu also congratulated the graduating students and wished them success in their future endeavors. She reminded them that their education was just the beginning of their journey and that they had a long way to go in realizing their dreams and aspirations. She urged them to be resilient, determined, and compassionate in their pursuit of excellence.
The President’s address was well-received by the audience, who applauded her for her inspiring words and her commitment to the development of the country. The convocation ceremony ended with the conferring of degrees and diplomas to the graduating students, who left the Viceregal Lodge with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
She said, “I was the first girl in my village from a small village in Odisha to move to the city to study. Among your classmates too, there will be many such students whose family or village, before them no one would have been able to get a university-level education. Such students are very talented and struggling”.
She said, “Let us respect and welcome all languages and cultures, but always stay connected to our roots. Rejuvenation is received from the roots, creativity is received. It was Gandhiji’s suggestion to adopt the excellent knowledge science available in the whole world by setting one’s feet on Indian soil”.
