Speaking at the 13th convocation ceremony of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack on Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu called upon graduating students to pursue innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, urging them to aim not only to secure jobs but also to create employment opportunities for others.
“Don’t just aim to get jobs — work to give jobs,” she said in her address, stressing the importance of young Indians driving economic transformation and social responsibility through entrepreneurial ventures.
President Murmu invoked the legacy of Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, who founded the Utkal Tannery to support local artisans — a symbol of visionary self-reliance that still inspires.
Recalling her personal connection to the institution, the President said, “This place is not just made of bricks and cement; it is a Shaligram,” referencing her visits to the campus when her daughter studied there. She lauded Ravenshaw for its historical contributions to Odisha’s socio-cultural awakening and its role in India’s intellectual heritage.
Noting that female students have outperformed their male peers in academics and placements over the past two years, President Murmu praised this positive trend and the growing empowerment of women in higher education.
Concluding her speech, she encouraged students to stay rooted in Indian values, take pride in their heritage, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.
