R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, AUG 6
Stating that the University of Madras is a shining example of gender equality, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said educated women can make greater contribution to the economy, provide leadership in various sectors and make a positive impact on the society.
Courtesy: PIB
In her address at the 165th convocation of the University of Madras here, she said about 1.85 lakh students are currently studying in the varsity and its affiliated colleges and out of them more than 50 per cent are girls. “The University of Madras is a shining example of gender equality. I am delighted to note further that 70 percent of 105 students who received their gold medals today are girls.” The President said “we are investing in the progress of our nation” by investing in the education of girls. Educated women can make greater contribution to the economy, provide leadership in various sectors and make a positive impact on the society, she underlined.
- Invest in cutting edge research, encourage inter-disciplinary studies, and promote international collaboration: Prez
- It is indeed a matter of great pride that six former Presidents of India were students of this University and walked the same corridors that you walk through today: Murmu
- 70 percent of 105 students who received their gold medals are girls
LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu addresses the convocation of University of Madras at Chennai https://t.co/Zizhn0A6w1
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2023
Congratulating the graduating students, Murmu said this region has been a cradle of civilisation and culture. She said, “The rich tradition of Sangam literature is a precious heritage of India. Tirukkural is guiding all of us for centuries. The great Bhakti tradition of poetry started in Tamil Nadu and it was taken to the north by the wandering saints. The temple architecture of Tamil Nadu, the statues and sculptures are a tribute to human excellence. With pride in the immensely rich cultural heritage that they have, the young students have to become important citizens of the global knowledge society of the 21st century.”
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 165th convocation of University of Madras in Chennai. The President said that the University of Madras has been a cradle of learning, producing countless scholars, leaders, and visionaries. https://t.co/Lp342nhqLh pic.twitter.com/XZ1XD79Vhf
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2023
“Throughout its journey of over 165 years, University of Madras has adhered to high standards of academics, providing an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking,” the President said.
She said, “I appeal to all the students to never let any anxiety overwhelm you. There is always an opening or opportunity which may not be visible for some time. Have faith in your abilities and keep moving forward.” Further, she encouraged the university to be at the forefront of finding learning-based solutions to the problems being faced by the nation and the world at large.
“University of Madras has a rich history and glorious legacy. It is indeed a matter of great pride that six former Presidents of India were students of this University and walked the same corridors that you walk through today,” she added.
“I respectfully remember my illustrious predecessors from this University – Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Shri V.V. Giri, Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, Shri R. Venkataraman, Shri K.R. Narayanan and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The eminent freedom fighter who also served as the first Governor General of India, Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was a student of this university.
Sir C.V. Raman and Dr. S. Chandrasekar, Nobel Laureates and students of this university have made exceptional contribution to the world of science. Two Chief Justices of India, Justice M. Patanjali Shastri and Justice K. Subbarao have enriched the sphere of jurisprudence. The very idea that your university has produced such great people should make you strive hard for achieving excellence in pursuit of learning and nation building.
I feel proud to pay homage to the memories of the Nightingale of India Smt. Sarojini Naidu and the indomitable Smt. Durgabai Deshmukh. They were also students of this university. Those two great women were much ahead of their times. They were iconic women who have inspired several generations of Indians and will continue to inspire future generations. All the students of Madras University, specially the girl students should draw special inspiration from their exceptional stories,” the President added.
“The alumni of the University of Madras can play a significant role in its growth as a global centre of excellence. The University has contributed to their success in many ways, therefore they should try to give back to their alma mater,” she said in her convocation speech.
She also urged the university to invest in cutting edge research, encourage inter-disciplinary studies, and promote international collaboration.
In her concluding address, the President invoked some immortal lines from Mahakavi Subramania Bharati which are quoted very often because they always infuse new inspiration.
I will invoke some immortal lines from Mahakavi Subramania Bharati which are quoted very often because they always infuse new inspiration. pic.twitter.com/X9yNokM3JE
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2023
“மந்திரம் கற்போம்வினைத் தந்திரம் கற்போம்
வானை யளப்போம் கடல் மீனை யளப்போம்
சந்திரமண் டலத்தியல் கண்டு தெளிவோம்
சந்தி தெருப்பெருக்கும் சாத்திரம் கற்போம்”
“We will learn both scripture and science
We will explore both heavens and oceans
We will unravel the mysteries of the moon
And we will sweep our streets clean too.”
Chancellor and Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin addressed at the convocation. Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy and University Vice Chancellor Dr S Gowri were present.
