President Droupadi Murmu graced the 36th Convocation Ceremony of Rani Durgavati University in Jabalpur on Sunday, emphasising that educational institutions must transcend beyond being mere degree-awarding centres to become hubs of innovation, research and creative thinking. Prior to the main event, the President paid floral tributes at the statue of Gondwana warrior queen Rani Durgavati within the university campus. President Murmu stated that the holistic development of the nation is only possible through a balance between modernity and Indian cultural traditions. She noted that universities hold the crucial responsibility of instilling respect for Indian culture, traditions, and indigenous languages among students. Given the region’s rich tribal heritage, the President urged educated youth especially those from tribal communities to actively guide their communities about various welfare schemes like Viksit Bharat@2047. She highlighted the need to integrate tribal skills, traditional knowledge, and crafts with modern education and research. During the ceremony, a total of 240 gold medals were distributed to 141 students and degrees were conferred upon 182 research scholars, including PhD recipients. Presenting gold medals to 20 exceptional students who secured more than one medal across various faculties, the President expressed immense pleasure that daughters comprise the majority of the gold medal winners today, presenting a positive picture of women empowerment and a changing India. Governor and Chancellor Mangubhai Patel urged students to view their degrees not just as personal achievements but as tools for nation-building.

 

He advocated for social responsibility by proposing a unique initiative: Governor Patel requested every university to adopt 5 backward villages so that students can personally understand ground realities and contribute to rural and tribal development. He also highlighted vital central schemes such as the PM-JANMAN Yojana and Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana, aimed at uplifting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Baiga, Bharia and Sahariya. CM Dr Yadav paid homage to Rani Durgavati, stating that the university stands as a symbol of self-respect and valor rather than just higher education. Highlighting the State’s educational progress under PM Modi’s leadership, he noted that State’s Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education has climbed to 28.9%, surpassing the national average. Even the school dropout rates have dropped close to zero. He added that the State Government has initiated the establishment of three new Government universities and is promoting agriculture-based innovative studies. The convocation commenced with the National Song, National Anthem and traditional lamp lighting. RDU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rajesh Kumar Verma welcomed the dignitaries and shared that the university has achieved an NAAC A+ grade for the first time. The event concluded with a group photograph of medal winners alongside the President, Governor and Chief Minister. The ceremony was attended by Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar, several MPs, MLAs and top administrative and police officials.