Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday visited her alma mater Ramadevi Women’s University on the occasion of the varsity’s second convocation. On the occasion, the President reminisced old memories, dating four decades back, when Murmu was a student of this prestigious institution (then RD Women’s College).
This educational institution has been a source of inspiration in the path of her life, she said. Towards the beginning of the convocation ceremony, the President offered prayers to the holy soil of the institution and became emotional as she looked at the iconic auditorium of RD Women’s University.
The President recalled the memories of her student life and said that Ramadevi College has been a great institution where children of people from all walks of life studied together. “I was staying in the hostel meant for tribal students. Because of the financial crisis back home, I could not afford to savour delicacies at the university canteen,” she said.
On this occasion, the President also remembered two of her teachers – Binapani Mohanty and Shakuntala Baliarsingh. “I consider myself fortunate to be their student.” The President emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment. There is no dearth of ability in us, all that we need is dedicated efforts and confidence in self, to succeed in life.
Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Ministers Rohit Pujari and Ashok Panda and Prof Aparajita Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor, Ramadevi Women’s University were present in the programme.
While leaving the university campus, the students were caught by a pleasant surprise as the President marched towards them and clicked pictures. It was indeed a sight to behold, as the First Citizen was with the young students, with a message that everything is achievable.
