President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday (September 18, 2024) praised the greater participation of women in research and development while affirming that it would help improve the quality of their lives, besides contributing to the nation’s progress. Ms. Murmu said women should get more opportunities to excel in different fields.
Ms. Murmu was addressing the 18th convocation ceremony of the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) here. She said the enrolment of girls in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) had increased in the recent years and they had a significant proportion among the students getting top position in the institutions.
“In this convocation, out of the 20 gold medals, 12 have been won by female students, even though only about 29% are girls among the total graduating students. The number of girls among the medal winners is evidence that if they are given equal opportunities, they can achieve greater excellence,” Ms. Murmu said.
The President called upon the youth to shape the country on the strength of their education and determination. She said the NITs were strengthening the spirit of “unity in diversity” and allowing the local talent to flourish by admitting the students from the home States and from other States based on the all India ranking in an equal proportion.
“The NITs, established to promote quality technical education and research in the country, are playing a major role in providing skilled and capable human resources. They have been rightly given the status of institutions of national importance,” Ms. Murmu said.
The role of technical institutions was significant in the present era of the fourth industrial revolution, when new opportunities were emerging along with challenges, Ms. Murmu said, adding that the establishment of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering in MNIT reflected its commitment to adapt to the demands of the time.
The President said the innovation and incubation centre established at the MNIT had organised several start-up programmes, which had benefited a large number of participants. About 125 startups have been registered in the incubation centre, creating new employment opportunities for the youth.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and MNIT Director N.P. Padhy were among those who attended the convocation ceremony.
Published - September 18, 2024 03:27 pm IST
