Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu Friday exhorted the girl students to feel proud as ‘representatives of women.’
Addressing the students of the Rama Devi University here, the President said that women in India have played an important role since ages.
“From management of family to governance of the country, from literature, music and dance to leadership, women have proved their mettle in every field,” she said addressing the second convocation of the University.
She said women empowerment is no longer a slogan, but has become a reality to a large extent. “Girls are not only at par with our boys, but in some fields they are even ahead of the boys,” she said.
The President said that India is the largest democracy in the world. It is heartening that the representation of women is increasing in all democratic institutions from Panchayats to Parliament.
“It is a great achievement of our democracy that for the first time the number of women parliamentarians has crossed 100. This is a good sign for the future of our democracy,” she said.
She advised the students to keep faith in their abilities as after leaving the university campus, they would enter another university – the University of Life.
“To be successful in the University of Life, they must be aware of their strengths and abilities,” Shrimati Murmu said.
The President said that India aims to become a developed nation in the next 25 years.
“We all believe that in the year 2047, when India will celebrate the centenary of its independence, it will be one of the most prosperous nations in the world. It is the responsibility of the young generation to take India to the pinnacle of development during these 25 years,” she said.
The President recalled her days – she spent in this University, then a college, as a student.
She said that she had studied in this institution for four years after completing her schooling at Unit-2 Girls School in Bhubaneswar.
The love and affection of the teachers of that time is unforgettable and she is still in touch with many of classmates from that time.
“This great educational institution has always been a source of inspiration in her life,” she said.