Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said the newly inaugurated Jagadguru Kripalu University would emerge as a major centre for skill-based higher education by integrating modern scientific learning with India’s spiritual and cultural values, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to expanding quality education and creating greater opportunities for the youth.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the university at Banara in Kataka district after President Droupadi Murmu formally dedicated the institution, the Chief Minister said the university marked the beginning of a new journey to transform Odisha into a global hub for higher education, research and character building.
Welcoming the President on behalf of the people of Odisha, Majhi described her visit as a source of inspiration and said the establishment of the university was a significant milestone for the state’s education sector.
He said the institution, founded in memory of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, would seek to combine advances in modern science and technology with the principles of Indian civilisation and Sanatan values. Besides offering programmes in emerging disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Management and Health Sciences, the university would also focus on mind management, yoga science and human values to promote character development and mental well-being among students.
The Chief Minister said the university’s proposed Jagadguru Kripalu Clinic, Yoga and Naturopathy Hospital and vocational skill training programmes for rural youth and women reflected its commitment to social responsibility.
Highlighting the state’s education and skill development initiatives, Majhi said Odisha’s youth were making notable contributions in premier institutions such as the IITs, IIMs and AIIMS, and stressed that the present era demanded skills and competence. He said the state government had prioritised skill development and innovation since assuming office.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address to the “Gen-Z”, Majhi said the Prime Minister had consistently emphasised quality education and youth empowerment while promoting the National Education Policy through the expansion of medical, engineering and technical education institutions across the country.
The Chief Minister said Odisha had become the first state to provide free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level and announced that four more universities would be established in the state. He added that the government was developing Industrial Training Institutes into Centres of Excellence with Singapore’s cooperation to equip students with industry-oriented skills.
Majhi also said the state had shifted its industrial focus beyond minerals and steel, signing MoUs in 16 emerging sectors, including apparel, information technology, semiconductors, chemicals and petrochemicals. He noted that Odisha had recently secured the fifth position in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendly Index.
Assuring full government support to the university, the Chief Minister said the state would extend every possible assistance for its growth and development. He also expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her presence at the inauguration and wished for the university’s continued progress under the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
