Ananthapuram: President of India Droupadi Murmu attended the first convocation ceremony of the Central University of Andhra Pradesh in Ananthapuramu on Tuesday, describing the occasion as a defining milestone in the journey of the young institution.

Addressing the gathering, the President said the university's first convocation marked not only a celebration of academic achievement but also the beginning of a promising future. She appreciated the institution for adopting a long-term vision to become a future-ready university and for aligning its goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the area of quality education.

Expressing confidence in the university's future, President Murmu said the Central University of Andhra Pradesh would emerge as a centre of excellence and make a significant contribution towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Congratulating the graduating students, the President said the convocation represented the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and hard work. She noted that while students entered the university with dreams, they were now stepping into the world equipped with knowledge, confidence and qualifications that would open new opportunities.

She emphasized that every student's success was not solely the result of individual effort but was also shaped by the sacrifices of parents, the guidance of teachers and the support of society. She urged graduates to give back to society, whether as entrepreneurs creating employment, scientists driving innovation, public servants serving the nation or philanthropists supporting the underprivileged.

Highlighting the rapid pace of technological change, the President said learning should not end with the completion of a degree. She encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, continuously adapt to emerging technologies and develop the courage to explore new ideas and acquire new knowledge.

Describing India's youth as one of the nation's greatest assets, President Murmu said their knowledge, creativity, determination and sense of responsibility could transform challenges into opportunities and help build a more inclusive and prosperous India.

She also stressed the importance of ethical values, saying that honesty, compassion, empathy and respect for nature are essential foundations for holistic development. According to her, these values would enable graduates to lead meaningful lives while making valuable contributions to society and the nation.

Concluding her address, the President said the vision of Viksit Bharat could only be realised through the energy, talent and commitment of the country's youth. She urged the graduates to pursue excellence in every field with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.