President Droupadi Murmu on Monday inaugurated Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack and called upon higher educational institutions to nurture young talent through value-based education while fostering research, innovation and entrepreneurship to help realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the President said Odisha has long been a land of knowledge, culture, spirituality and public service. She noted that the sacred land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath has, for centuries, spread the ideals of inclusivity, compassion and human welfare, making it an ideal setting for an institution dedicated to integrating India’s cultural heritage with modern education.
Highlighting Cuttack’s rich legacy, President Murmu recalled the contributions of eminent personalities such as ‘Utkal Gourav’ Madhusudan Das, ‘Karmavir’ Gauri Shankar Ray, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Biju Patnaik, along with ‘Utkalmani’ Pandit Gopabandhu Das and ‘Utkal Kesari’ Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, who served the region through their work and leadership. She said Cuttack has made an enduring contribution to public service, literature and culture, and expressed confidence that Jagadguru Kripalu University would carry forward this legacy by serving society and the nation.
The President emphasised that India’s young population is one of its greatest strengths and said universities have a crucial responsibility to create an environment where students can develop their abilities and fulfil their aspirations. She stressed that institutions of higher learning must impart value-based education while shaping responsible citizens guided by integrity, discipline, sensitivity and a strong commitment to national interest.
She observed that education attains its true purpose only when knowledge is applied for the service of humanity, the welfare of society and the progress of the nation. The President said universities should not merely produce degree holders but individuals equipped with ethical values and a sense of social responsibility.
Referring to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, President Murmu said higher education institutions would play a pivotal role in achieving this national objective. She urged universities to function as centres of knowledge where new ideas, research and technologies address societal needs while promoting sustainable development.
The President encouraged students to embrace modern knowledge without losing sight of ethical values and cultural roots. She welcomed the university’s focus on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the cultural and spiritual development of students, expressing confidence that the institution would produce skilled professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs capable of contributing to the vision of both ‘Viksit Odisha’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Jagadguru Kripalu University has been established with the objective of combining India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions with contemporary education, with a focus on creating socially responsible and professionally competent graduates capable of contributing to national development.
