During her address, President Murmu paid rich tributes to Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, after whom the university is named. She recalled how his iconic literary work ‘Revati’ had a deep influence on her student life. The story of a young girl determined to pursue education in the nineteenth century, she said, remains a powerful symbol of resilience and social awakening.
Drawing a personal parallel, the President shared her own journey of studying in a remote tribal village and later moving to Bhubaneswar to complete her higher education. Fakir Mohan Senapati’s commitment to social reform and education, she noted, continues to inspire generations across Odisha and beyond.
Importance of Mother Tongue in Education
Emphasizing the value of linguistic and cultural roots, President Murmu spoke about Fakir Mohan Senapati’s deep love for the Odia language. She said education imparted in one’s mother tongue enables students to better understand their surroundings, traditions, and cultural ethos while strengthening their civilizational identity.
Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, she underlined that learning in the mother tongue during foundational years helps students remain connected to their heritage while developing a strong conceptual understanding. The policy, she added, provides a roadmap for integrating cultural awareness with modern education.
India’s Knowledge Tradition and Youth Responsibility
The President highlighted India’s rich and ancient knowledge systems, stating that the country’s scriptures and manuscripts are repositories of wisdom across diverse disciplines such as science, medicine, astronomy, and architecture. She encouraged young scholars to explore and research this vast intellectual heritage with a scientific and contemporary perspective.
By understanding the past and engaging thoughtfully with the present, students can shape not only their own futures but also contribute to nation-building. She said India’s progress depends on a generation that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
Meaningful Success Beyond Personal Achievement
Congratulating the graduating students, President Murmu said that knowledge, dedication, and commitment are the foundations of respect and recognition in society. She reminded them that success and meaningful living are not the same, urging students to balance personal achievements with social responsibility.
While financial security and professional success are important, she said, true fulfillment comes from contributing to the welfare of others. She called upon young graduates to support those who have been left behind in the development journey, stressing that inclusive growth is the cornerstone of sustainable progress.
University’s Role in Local Development
The President appreciated Fakir Mohan University’s focus on research and community outreach alongside academics. She noted that the Balasore-Bhadrak region is well known for paddy cultivation, betel leaf farming, and fisheries, and lauded the university for conducting research and training programmes aligned with local livelihoods.
Initiatives such as ‘Back to School’, ‘Earn While Learn’, ‘Each One Teach One’, and environmental awareness programmes, including beach cleaning drives, were described as commendable efforts that strengthen the bond between the university and society. She also welcomed the idea of establishing specialized research centres for blue crabs or horseshoe crabs, species found abundantly along the region’s coastline.