President Murmu Urges Graduates to Use Education as a Tool for Nation-Building at GNDU Convocation

Amritsar, January 15, 2026: President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu today graced the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar, where she called upon graduating students to view education not merely as a means of livelihood but as a way to serve society and the nation.

Addressing the gathering, the President emphasized that while students may pursue varied paths after completing their formal education—government service, private employment, research, entrepreneurship, or teaching—they should carry with them certain core values. These, she said, include continuous learning, moral integrity, courage to adapt, perseverance through failure, teamwork, disciplined use of time and resources, and a commitment to employ their knowledge for the greater good.

“Education is not merely a means of livelihood; it is also a means of serving society and the nation,” President Murmu said, urging students to give back to the communities that nurtured their growth. She encouraged graduates to work towards uplifting those left behind in the nation’s development journey as an act of gratitude to society.

The President noted India’s rapid strides in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship over the past decade, highlighting emerging opportunities across sectors ranging from agriculture and artificial intelligence to defence and space. She stressed that universities must play a vital role in sustaining this momentum by fostering research, strengthening industry-academia cooperation, and encouraging socially relevant innovations.

Turning her attention to Punjab’s challenge of drug abuse, President Murmu described the issue as a grave threat to the state’s social, economic, and moral fabric. She urged educational institutions such as GNDU to take a proactive role in guiding youth toward productive and healthy paths.

Looking ahead, the President said the next two decades would be decisive in achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat. She called upon universities to shape young minds imbued with scientific temper, responsibility, and selfless service, ensuring that their professional pursuits contribute to both national progress and the preservation of human values.

Lauding GNDU’s heritage, President Murmu recalled that the university was established in 1969 to commemorate the 500th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and expressed that his teachings remain a beacon for humanity. “Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s messages of equality, compassion, and selfless service provide enduring solutions to many of society’s challenges,” she said.

Applauding GNDU’s efforts toward women’s empowerment, the President expressed satisfaction at the significant number of female graduates receiving degrees and medals. She affirmed that empowering women was central to societal advancement, echoing Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless advocacy for gender equality.

“It is in the interest of society and the nation that women have opportunities to move forward with full confidence,” she remarked, encouraging collective efforts to promote equal participation across all sectors.

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