Gwalior: Expressing confidence that India will emerge as the largest global technology hub, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday underlined the fact that innovation plays the most vital role vis-à-vis connectivity.
Addressing the Fourth Convocation of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management here, the First Citizen said, “The NEP emphasises that pupils establish connections with both Indian traditional knowledge and modernisation.”
Paying tributes to erstwhile Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the visiting dignitary described the Bharat Ratna-recipient as a towering leader who provided unprecedented encouragement to infrastructure development and the telecom sector. He was of the opinion that connectivity constitutes a basic requirement for inclusive development.
Mentioning the fact that Madhya Pradesh boasts the highest tribal population among Indian states, the President stressed that both the central and state dispensations are taking numerous measures for betterment of adivasis and womenfolk. She made specific references to the PESA Act and Tribal Pride Day.
Shifting gear to the scientific front, she said, “India gifted the world the crucial concept of zero. Interestingly, the first physical inscription in this context was discovered at the Chaturbhuj Temple here.”
Echoing the words of the immortal philosopher Swami Vivekananda during her 13-minute-long address, the President said, “I expect those benefitting from higher education to spare a thought for the backward in society as aiding others actually assists in blossoming of our capabilities. Take steps with self-confidence and advance in the world. No hurdle or challenge is so daunting that it can act as a roadblock which prevents you from achieving your objective. Never take your eyes off your goal! Keep evaluating your chosen route and you many eventually realise that another path is better. Do not step back as job satisfaction exceeds financial gains.”
A DSc (Honoris Causa) was conferred on the Atomic Energy Commission’s erstwhile chairman Anil Kakodkar who said – during his acceptance speech – “Development also implies the responsibility of elevating the rural standard of living to an extent that it either matches or even surpasses its urban counterpart. The objective of our education system is not to solely prepare pupils to tackle global competitiveness.”
Among those present on the occasion were Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Civil Aviation and Steel Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
Earlier, a special Indian Army plane carrying the Supreme Commander touched down this afternoon. The First Citizen was received by Mr Patel, Mr Chouhan, Mr Scindia, other political leaders, senior officers of the military and civilian administration.
The presidential convoy subsequently departed for the Jai Vilas Palace where a banquet was held in her honour.
UNI
