President Murmu Calls for Tribal Universities to Drive Inclusive Development
Visakhapatnam, June 30 (TNT): President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said tribal universities should emerge as centres for leadership, self-confidence and policy-making within tribal communities while playing a key role in their education, livelihoods and overall development.
Addressing the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) here, she said institutions established with the objective of social justice have a responsibility to work at the grassroots level in areas such as education, healthcare, skill development, livelihoods and forest rights.
The President expressed confidence that the university would contribute to the holistic development of tribal and marginalised youth while promoting the overall progress of the region.
She said tribal universities should evolve innovative systems to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities by promoting value addition in forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism and local entrepreneurship.
Describing the convocation as a significant milestone in every student’s life, Murmu urged graduates to focus on emerging opportunities in skill development to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
She advised students to go beyond textbook learning, acquire practical knowledge from their surroundings and remain connected to their communities, culture and traditions.
The President said India must remain rooted in its heritage while ensuring that the benefits of modern science reach every section of society.
She noted that the university’s Science and Technology Hub was working to empower tribal communities in North Andhra Pradesh and highlighted its initiatives in tribal welfare, public health, climate change, food and nutrition security and energy conservation.
She said these initiatives would contribute to building an equitable and developed India.
Referring to the national goal of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, Murmu expressed confidence that the university would make a significant contribution through its inclusive, practical and environmentally conscious approach to education.
She said integrating tribal communities with the benefits of modern education would enable local youth to play an important role in the country’s balanced and inclusive development.
As many as 373 students got their degrees, while thirteen received gold medals from Droupadi Murmu.
University Vice-Chancellor T Srinivasan listed the achievements of the institution.
Governor Abdul Nazeer, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, State Ministers Nara Lokesh and G. Sandhya Rani and others were present.
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