Making India Self-Reliant is our national priority: President Murmu

In a stirring address at the 71st convocation of Gujarat Vidyapith, a deemed university founded by Mahatma Gandhi, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday called on the nation’s youth to embrace the spirit of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (nation first) and actively promote Made-in-India products to achieve self-reliance, or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ Speaking to an audience of 713 graduating students and faculty members at the university’s historic campus on Ashram Road, the President underscored that self-reliance is a national priority critical to India’s journey toward global leadership.

Gujarat Vidyapith, established in 1920 under the vision of Mahatma Gandhi, who served as its chancellor until his death in 1948, holds a storied legacy as a beacon of education rooted in Indian values. President Murmu highlighted this heritage, noting the institution’s commitment to fostering self-sufficiency and national pride. “Making India self-reliant is our national priority. All of you have to play an active role in the ‘Swadeshi’ campaign and promote Made-in-India products with the spirit of ‘Rashtra Pratham,’” she urged the graduates, encouraging them to pledge their efforts toward building a developed India.

The President emphasized that education should not be a mere pursuit of livelihood but a lifelong journey of personal growth and societal contribution. Quoting the university’s motto, “Knowledge is what liberates us,” she reminded students of their responsibility to serve society, particularly its underprivileged sections. “Since the country and society contribute to your education, you can repay this debt by serving society,” Murmu said, expressing confidence in the graduates’ potential to uplift marginalized communities.

Murmu also praised Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit, which has earned the state a global reputation for self-employment and innovation. “Entrepreneurs from Gujarat have left their mark not only in India but also worldwide. Many Gujaratis have emerged as successful non-resident Indians abroad. I urge you all to move forward with the same global outlook that has been the hallmark of Gujarat,” she said. She expressed hope that Gujarat Vidyapith’s students would become ambassadors of self-reliance, spreading this ethos across the nation.

The convocation capped a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which President Murmu engaged with the state’s cultural and natural heritage. Her itinerary included prayers at the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka and the Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath, a lion safari at Gir National Park, and an interaction with the Siddi tribal community in Sasan. These engagements underscored her commitment to connecting with India’s diverse traditions and communities. Gujarat Vidyapith continues to embody Gandhian principles through initiatives like its international course on “Gandhian Nonviolence: Theory and Application,” which has drawn students from over 20 countries since its inception in 2011. The program reflects the global relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in addressing contemporary challenges.

The ceremony was attended by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, the university’s chancellor, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, adding to its significance. President Murmu’s address not only honored Gujarat Vidyapith’s legacy but also served as a clarion call for the youth to drive India’s self-reliance movement. As the graduates step into the world, her words resonate as a reminder of their role in shaping a prosperous, self-sufficient nation.