President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh has a special responsibility to emerge as a hub for fostering self-confidence, leadership and policy-making capabilities within tribal society, while calling on students to combine modern education with their cultural roots to contribute to the nation’s development.
Addressing the first convocation ceremony of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh at Vizianagaram, the President said institutions established with the objective of social justice must work at the grassroots level to improve education, healthcare, skill development, livelihoods and forest rights for tribal communities. Expressing confidence in the university’s future, she said it would make meaningful contributions to the holistic development of youth from marginalised and tribal communities, as well as to the overall development of the region.
President Murmu said all universities, particularly tribal universities, should develop innovative systems to enhance the livelihoods of tribal communities by promoting productive work in areas such as forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism and local entrepreneurship.
Describing the convocation as a defining moment in every student’s life, the President said it was not only a day of celebration but also an opportunity for graduates to make a commitment towards their future. She urged students to focus on emerging areas of skill development to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world, stressing that they should go beyond textbook learning and draw practical knowledge from their surrounding ecosystem. Students, she said, must strive to build a better future for society and the nation while remaining connected to their community, culture and traditions.
The President said India, as it moves rapidly towards development, must remain connected to its heritage while ensuring that the benefits of modern science reach every section of society. She noted that, with this objective, the university has established a Science and Technology Hub to empower tribal communities in North Andhra Pradesh. She also highlighted the university’s work in tribal welfare, public health, climate change, food and nutrition security, and energy conservation, saying these initiatives would play an important role in building an equitable and developed India.
Referring to the national goal of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, President Droupadi Murmu expressed confidence that the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh would make a significant contribution through its meaningful, inclusive and practical teaching methodology, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. She said integrating tribal communities with the benefits of modern education would enable local youth to play a vital role in the country’s equitable development.
