Skills, Innovation and Service: President Murmu’s Message to Graduates

Stressing that education must extend beyond classrooms and textbooks, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday called upon students to embrace practical learning, develop future-ready skills, and contribute to the transformation of society. Addressing the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) , she urged graduates to remain rooted in their cultural heritage while equipping themselves to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony in Visakhapatnam, the President said that success in the modern era requires continuous learning, adaptability, and exposure to real-world experiences. Students should not restrict themselves to academic knowledge alone but should also learn from their surroundings, communities, and the environment to build practical capabilities and innovative thinking.

Highlighting the importance of inclusive development, Murmu said that India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation must be accompanied by efforts to preserve its rich cultural legacy and ensure that the benefits of modern science and technology reach every section of society. She encouraged graduates to stay connected with their communities, traditions, and social responsibilities while pursuing professional excellence.

The President praised CTUAP for its role in empowering tribal communities and noted that the university has gone beyond conventional academic activities through its dedicated Science and Technology Hub for tribal populations in North Andhra Pradesh. Such initiatives, she said, demonstrate how higher educational institutions can act as catalysts for grassroots development and social change.

Murmu noted that the university has focused on critical areas including tribal welfare, public health, climate change, food and nutritional security, and energy conservation . These sectors are crucial not only for the well-being of tribal communities but also for achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 , she observed.

Calling upon tribal youth to become leaders of change, the President said universities must nurture self-confidence, leadership skills, and policy-making abilities among students. She also urged tribal institutions to promote innovation in traditional occupations such as minor forest produce collection, handicrafts, millet cultivation, medicinal plant farming, and eco-tourism , helping create sustainable livelihoods and local entrepreneurship.

Describing convocation as a milestone rather than the end of a learning journey, Murmu urged graduates to dedicate themselves to building a more equitable and inclusive society. While governments are implementing several programmes for the welfare of tribal and indigenous communities, she said it is the responsibility of citizens to convert these opportunities into meaningful progress.

The event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan , Andhra Pradesh Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh , and other dignitaries. Earlier, the President was accorded a warm welcome at INS Dega by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer , state ministers, legislators, and senior officials.