Education Must Serve Society: President Murmu
At MS University’s 75th convocation, President calls for multidisciplinary learning and education focused on national and social welfare
GG News Bureau
Vadodara, 23rd Sept: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said education becomes meaningful when it benefits the country and society, urging graduating students to use their knowledge and professional skills to improve lives and create opportunities.
The President was addressing the 75th annual convocation ceremony of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Murmu said that over the past 75 years, the university has progressed by integrating diverse streams of knowledge. She stressed that in today’s world, complex challenges cannot be addressed through a single discipline and called for a multidisciplinary approach in higher education.
The President said solving contemporary problems requires the combined perspectives of different fields, including the curiosity of a scientist, sensitivity of an artist, perspective of a historian, insight of an economist and consciousness of a sociologist. She said higher education institutions such as Maharaja Sayajirao University must remain alert and dynamic in responding to these changing requirements.
Addressing the graduating students, Murmu asked them to reflect on the purpose of their education and knowledge. She said that prioritising the interests of the nation and society while pursuing professional goals would also bring personal progress and satisfaction.
She outlined the broader responsibilities associated with different professions. Engineers, she said, should develop technologies that improve people’s lives, while doctors should view medicine as a form of service. Scientists should seek solutions to problems in the interest of humanity, while artists and writers should contribute to society’s sensitivity and awareness.
The President also said entrepreneurs should focus not only on wealth creation but also on generating employment and opportunities. Teachers, she said, have the responsibility of nurturing a generation that embraces both India’s heritage and progress. Those entering public life should regard their positions as responsibilities rather than sources of authority.
Murmu also highlighted India’s national goal of building Viksit Bharat by 2047. She described the vision as one in which quality education and healthcare reach everyone, science and technology are deployed for human welfare, opportunities are equitable, and the potential of women and youth is fully harnessed.
She said every citizen should have the opportunity to live with dignity and emphasised that universities and young people have an important role to play in achieving these national objectives.
