Collective efforts Essential to foster Education and Self- Reliance in daughters: President Smt. Murmu

President Smt. Draupadi Murmu urged the nation to encourage daughters to pursue education and become self-reliant, emphasizing their vital role in the country’s development. She highlighted the need for collective efforts to ensure that daughters receive an education and are empowered to lead, contributing to the nation’s progress. Citing Devi Ahilyabai Holkar as a shining example of women’s empowerment and self-reliance, the President praised her legacy, noting how Ahilyabai set remarkable standards in governance, justice, and public welfare.

President Smt. Murmu was addressing the 14th convocation of Devi Ahilya University on the occasion of diamond jubilee celebrations in Indore today. President Smt. Murmu awarded gold and silver medals and degrees to the students and research scholars.

President Smt. Draupadi Murmu commended Indore for its remarkable achievements in cleanliness, extending her heartfelt congratulations to its citizens. She noted that Indore, a city known for Devi Ahilyabai Holkar also houses a university named after her. It is a matter of pride as we celebrate the 300th birth anniversary of this revered leader. Lokmata Ahilyabai recognized the value of education, and at a time when educating girls faced significant opposition. Her father ensured she received an education. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s life serves as a powerful example of women’s empowerment. Throughout her reign, she made groundbreaking efforts to uplift women and promote self-reliance. She also took decisive steps to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities, laying the foundation for their development and initiating numerous welfare projects that continue to inspire progress.

The President praised Devi Ahilyabai Holkar for setting high standards in administration, justice, and welfare. She described Ahilyabai’s life as a shining example of revolutionary change across various fields, including social, political, economic, and educational spheres, particularly for women. The path that Ahilyabai forged has eased the way for many to navigate through challenges and struggles. Citing a foreign poet, the President noted that Ahilyabai’s influence extended beyond India, making her a figure of global admiration—a source of great pride for the nation. Offering her heartfelt respects to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai, the President also acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the daughters at the convocation, where they received the highest number of medals. She congratulated the medal winners, expressing her confidence that they will overcome obstacles, carve out their own paths, and achieve their dreams.

President Smt. Draupadi Murmu praised Smt. Sumitra Mahajan of Indore for setting a remarkable example through her contributions to public service and democracy. The President urged educational institutions, teachers, and parents to encourage daughters to pursue education and become self-reliant. She highlighted that India is on a fast track to becoming one of the most developed and advanced nations by 2047, with daughters playing a crucial role in this journey. She emphasized the importance of inspiring daughters to dream big, set ambitious goals, and work diligently to achieve them.

President Smt. Murmu said that Devi Ahilya University is a prestigious university with more than three lakh students. Many districts in the vicinity of ​​this university are Scheduled Tribe dominated. Keeping this in view, a Tribal Study Center has been started in this university. This is a commendable effort. She said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave us the slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas”. Everyone’s cooperation and collective development is necessary to take the country forward. People’s support along with the government is needed to bring the backward class to the mainstream and for overall development. She said that it is a matter of happiness that Devi Ahilya University has implemented the new education policy. She advised all to choose the right path in life with the help of parents, teachers, and experienced people.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that the convocation ceremony is a matter of pride for all of us. It is an unforgettable moment of success achieved through the sacrifice and tenacity of parents, the blessings of teachers, and the discipline and hard work of students. He congratulated all the meritorious students, teachers, and parents and wished for the bright future of the students. The Governor said that Devi Ahilya Bai worked enthusiastically for politics, women empowerment, public service, and religious and spiritual upliftment of the country. It is a matter of pride for students of the university to be studying in the university set up in the name of Devi Ahilya Bai, popularly known as Lokmata. Even after hundreds of years, people still worship Devi Ahilya Bai because she had set an example of someone who owned everything but still had nothing for herself. Devi Ahilyabai made efforts to include the deprived classes in the mainstream of society. She considered service to society as service to God. Governor Shri Patel called upon the youth to take inspiration from Devi Ahilya and sincerely and committedly contribute to fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Modi’s dream of Vikasit Bharat. He said that I expect students to consider their parents and teachers as Gods, and understand and fulfill their responsibilities towards the country.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai was a social reformer, a champion of justice, and a pioneer of Swaraj and good governance. He highlighted her remarkable contributions to public welfare, extending beyond her own kingdom. Devi Ahilyabai’s life serves as a powerful source of inspiration; she pursued education during challenging times and faced struggles with unwavering courage. Her spirit soared higher than the peaks of the Himalayas, making her an enduring source of motivation for all.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the new education policy has been implemented in Madhya Pradesh for the first time in the country. The state government is working in all areas with utmost determination. He said that intellectual wealth is blossoming and flourishing in the state. There is immense intellectual wealth in our state, which is being used for the holistic development of the state. A booklet published by Devi Ahilya University was presented to the guests at the function.

On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur, Urban Development and Housing Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya, Higher Education Minister Shri Inder Singh Parmar, Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silavat, Vice Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University Smt. Renu Jain and a large number of students were present.