Gujarat Vidyapith convocation: President Murmu urges graduates to uphold Gandhi’s vision

President of India Droupadi Murmu on Saturday urged students of Gujarat Vidyapith to dedicate themselves to the welfare of society and uphold the university’s founding ideals of nation-building and self-reliance.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the 71st annual convocation of the university, held at the Pranjivan Hostel campus in Ahmedabad. The ceremony began at 5 pm and was attended for the first time by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with BJP legislators, party leaders, and vice-chancellors from various state and central universities.

‘Guided by the vision of great leaders’

In her address, President Murmu said Gujarat Vidyapith symbolises the vision of nation-building and self-reliance envisioned 105 years ago. She noted that few institutions in the country have enjoyed the guidance of leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and Morarji Desai for over seven decades.

“The university therefore carries special expectations from its students and faculty,” she said, underscoring its historical connection to India’s freedom movement and moral education.

Call to serve the marginalised

The President praised Gujarat’s long tradition of entrepreneurship and self-employment, observing that many successful Indian expatriates trace their roots to the state. She expressed hope that Vidyapith graduates would dedicate their knowledge and skills to the uplift of underprivileged and marginalised sections of society.

She also urged students to follow the Gandhian principle of Sarvodaya—the welfare of all—and become role models in their communities.

Focus on women’s education

Highlighting the growing presence of women at Gujarat Vidyapith, President Murmu pointed out that the number of female students, including those from other states, exceeds that of male students. She emphasised that women must receive equal access to educational opportunities.

Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Vice-Chancellor Harshad Patel also addressed the gathering.

Tradition and modernity at the event

After the ceremony, attendees noted quiet discussions about changes in the university’s convocation traditions. Some observed that symbolic elements—such as the Gandhi cap, floor seating, and customary coordination of rituals—appeared to have been replaced by modern arrangements, including sofas, glass tables, and bottled water.

While some vice-chancellors were reportedly absent, those present included several from major state and central universities. The President, however, commended the overall management and organisation of the event and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

Degrees and honours conferred

A total of 713 students received their degrees this year, including 69 PhD and 4 MPhil scholars, 335 postgraduates, 150 undergraduates, 23 PG diploma holders, and 132 other undergraduate students. Of these, 396 were male and 347 female.

Nine students—four women and five men—were awarded gold medals, comprising seven faculty medals and two donor medals.