Cuttack: Higher education institutions will play a pivotal role in achieving goal of building Viksit Bharat by 2047, President Droupadi Murmu said here on Monday. Inaugurating Jagadguru Kripalu University at Baahara in Cuttack district, the President urged varsities to function as centres of knowledge, where ideas and technologies are developed to address society’s needs. She said students must remain rooted in ethical values while embracing modern knowledge.Pointing out that India has one of the world’s youngest populations, she described the country’s youth as its greatest asset. “To make optimal use of this asset, our universities must create an environment where young people can develop their talents and realise their dreams and aspirations. They must be provided with value-based education,” she said.The President said universities have the responsibility of shaping citizens guided by integrity, discipline, sensitivity and commitment to the national interest. She added that the knowledge acquired by young people becomes truly meaningful only when it is used in the service of humanity, the welfare of society and the progress of the nation.Speaking about Odisha, Murmu said the state has a rich tradition of knowledge, culture, spirituality and service. For centuries, the sacred land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath has spread the message of inclusivity, compassion and human welfare.“The Cuttack region is the birthplace of great luminaries such as Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Karmavir Gauri Shankar Ray, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Biju Patnaik. It is also the karmabhoomi of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das and Utkal Kesari Harekrushna Mahtab,” she said.Highlighting Cuttack’s contribution to public service, literature and culture, the President expressed confidence that Jagadguru Kripalu University would emerge as a centre for serving society and the nation by integrating India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions with modern education.Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said effective implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 would significantly contribute to the development of Odisha and its youth.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state govt has substantially increased investment in higher education and skill development over the past two years by enhancing budgetary allocations for the education sector.“Earlier, the state’s focus was largely on minerals and steel. Now, education and skill development are also being accorded priority. Our govt has decided to provide free education from KG to PG, with a focus on strengthening education from the primary-level to higher education,” he said.The CM added that Odia youth are making remarkable contributions to research and innovation by collaborating with some of the country’s premier institutions such as the IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS. This is the age of skills and competence, and our government is continuously working to create abundant opportunities for the youth of Odisha, he added.
