New Delhi, Feb 10 (FN Bureau) Women empowerment is no longer a slogan, it has become a reality to a large extent, President Droupadi Murmu said Addressing the 2nd Convocation of Rama Devi Women’s University here on Friday, the President said Girls are not only at par with our boys, but in some fields they are even ahead of the boys. She recalled her days – she spent in this University (then college) as a student and had studied in this institution for four years after completing her schooling at Unit-2 Girls School in Bhubaneswar. The love and affection of the teachers of that time is unforgettable, Murmu said adding she is still in touch with many of classmates from that time.
This great educational institution has always been a source of inspiration in her life. The President said they should feel proud as girl students, as representatives of women. Women in India have played an important role since ages,from management of family to governance of the country, from literature, music and dance to leadership, women have proved their mettle in every field. India, she said, is the largest democracy in the world and it is heartening that the representation of women is increasing in all democratic institutions from Panchayats to Parliament. It is a great achievement of our democracy that for the first time the number of women parliamentarians has crossed 100 which is a good sign for the future of our democracy.
The President advised students to keep faith in their abilities. “After leaving this university campus, you would enter another university – the University of Life. To be successful in the University of Life, you must be aware of your strengths and abilities,” she said. The President said that India aims to become a developed nation in the next 25 years. “We all believe that in the year 2047, when India will celebrate the centenary of its independence, it will be one of the most prosperous nations in the world. It is the responsibility of the young generation to take India to the pinnacle of development during these 25 years,” Murmu said.