President Droupadi Murmu's Vision for Women’s Higher Education to Transform India by 2047

Honourable President Droupadi Murmu stated on Thursday, 19th September 2024, that women must be encouraged to obtain higher education and become independent to realise India's objective of becoming the most developed nation by 2047. She also asked for everyone's aid in getting people from underdeveloped communities to join the march of development.

"I would like to call upon all educational institutions and teachers to encourage daughters to pursue higher education and become self reliant as we want to make India the most developed and most advanced country by 2047," Murmu said at the convocation ceremony of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Vishwa Vidyalaya (DAVV) in its diamond jubilee year. "Therefore, all of us need to support and encourage women to move ahead as they constitute half of the country's population. If our daughters dream big and bring it to reality with your support and guidance, only then will they be able to become partners in the development of the country in the true sense," said the President.

The President observed that more females than males were among the excellent students who received gold and silver medals at the convocation event. She said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas Aur Sab Ka Prayas' (everyone's support, development, and efforts)."

"Collective development is necessary to take the country forward. Therefore, not only the government's, but everyone's cooperation is necessary to bring backward people ahead (in the race for development)," she said. "Always remember that your own development lies in the development of all. Development of your livelihood and your family alone should not be your goal," she added.

She honoured Devi Ahilyabai, the monarch of Indore's former Holkar dynasty, for her contributions to administration, justice, women's empowerment, public welfare, and tribal development in the year of her 300th birth anniversary. "The life of Devi Ahilyabai is an example of how women can bring about revolutionary changes by becoming active in all fields, including political, social, economic and spiritual," stated the President. 

Even in the 18th century, Devi Ahilyabai recognised the significance of education. She stated that her father educated her when it was uncommon for females to attend school, and there was widespread opposition. President Murmu extended her best wishes to the graduating students for their future ambitions, saying that obtaining an education should never end.

President Murmu expressed her hope that the graduating students, armed with their knowledge and cutting-edge technology, would be at the forefront of promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Madhya Pradesh Governor Mr Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mr Mohan Yadav shared their thoughts at the event. The presence of Mrs Savitri Thakur, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, and Mrs Sumitra Mahajan, former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, added to the occasion's significance.

One scholar received a Doctor of Science (DSc) degree, while 139 received PhDs.

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