Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, graced and delivered an address at the 165th convocation of the University of Madras in Chennai on August 6, 2023.
Highlighting its founding in 1857, President Murmu lauded the University of Madras as one of India’s oldest modern educational institutions, emphasizing its role in disseminating knowledge and nurturing intellectual curiosity. She commended the university’s commitment to high academic standards, producing scholars, and leaders, and playing a pivotal role in establishing other esteemed universities in southern India.
President Murmu encouraged alumni to contribute to the institution’s global excellence and mentorship, urging the university to engage with its alumni for mutual betterment.
Recognizing the university’s dedication to research and academic rigor, the President called for increased investment in cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary studies, and international collaborations, emphasizing its potential to provide solutions to national and global challenges.
Expressing concern over youth mental stress, President Murmu called for societal collaboration in creating an environment promoting holistic growth, urging students to have faith in themselves and fostering open communication to address anxieties and struggles.
She concluded by advocating for an inclusive atmosphere that empowers students, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in nurturing confident and courageous youth capable of facing challenges.
