President Murmu Emphasizes Inclusive Growth and Mother Tongue Education at Fakir Mohan University Convocation

On February 3, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu visited Balasore, Odisha, to grace the convocation ceremony of Fakir Mohan University. During her visit, she also inaugurated the university's new auditorium. In her address to the graduating students and faculty, the President delivered a powerful message highlighting the crucial role universities play as catalysts for inclusive growth and social transformation in India.

• President Murmu paid heartfelt tributes to Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, a literary icon of Odisha.
• She recalled how Senapati's timeless story, 'Revati', deeply influenced her during her own student days.
• The story, depicting a girl's determination to pursue education in the 19th century, serves as an enduring testament to the human spirit.
• Drawing a parallel to her own life, the President noted that despite hailing from a remote tribal village, her firm resolve led her to Bhubaneswar to complete her higher education, with Fakir Mohan Ji serving as an inspiration.

• Emphasizing the significance of one's mother tongue, the President quoted Fakir Mohan Ji: "My mother tongue is supreme to me."
• She stressed that education in the mother tongue helps students better understand their cultural environment, customs, and civilizational values.
• This aligns perfectly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which guides students to remain connected to their cultural roots.
• The President also encouraged young students to conduct research into India's ancient knowledge traditions found in scriptures and manuscripts, covering diverse fields ranging from science and medicine to astronomy and architecture.

• Congratulating the graduates, President Murmu asserted that dedication is the key to success in any endeavour.
• She drew a vital distinction between a "successful life" and a "meaningful life."
• While achieving fame, prestige, and financial security constitutes a successful life, a meaningful life goes beyond self-interest to include doing something for others.
• She urged students to help those left behind in the developmental journey, stating that true societal development lies in the progress of everyone.

• The President commended Fakir Mohan University for prioritizing research relevant to the local Balasore-Bhadrak region, famous for paddy, betel leaves, and fish.
• She specifically praised the university's foresight in establishing a research centre devoted to blue crabs and horseshoe crabs, which are abundant on the local beaches.
• Social outreach programs like 'Back to School', 'Earn While Learn', and 'Each One Teach One', along with environmental awareness campaigns, were termed praiseworthy.
• The President concluded that higher learning institutions have a special responsibility to nurture critical thinking and ethical leadership to shape a sustainable and equitable future.

This information is based on a press release from the President's Secretariat, Government of India.

Click here to view the official press release on PIB