Panaji, Jul 7 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said that academic outcomes of girl students was a game changer for the society and Goa's promotion of girls' education was a model for other states.
Addressing 30th convocation address of Goa University, he said the performance of girl students at Goa University was an example.
'Sixty per cent of students here are girls and 63 per cent of the toppers and medallists at today's ceremony are girls. We are not going to stop here. I am told that of the 67 gold medals being awarded today, 41 have been won by girl students. This is an outstanding achievement for not just your university and for Goa, but for the entire country,' he said.
The President urged the young women as well as the young men graduating from the university to bear in mind that access to higher education was still a privilege in India.
'It is the contributions of countless citizens, many of you who will not even know you personally, that sustains institutions such as Goa University. As you go into the world and build you careers, do remember and do try and give back to society in whatever manner you can or wish to. Eductaion is empowerment. It not only helps us to know our world better, but also enables us to think of ways of changing the world for the better,' he said.
He said at Goa University there were two areas of knowledge where it could guide the nation and build on the foundations you it had laid.
'My first reference is to the department of Portuguese and Lusophonic studies. I am told this department is the only such in the sub continent. It offers us an opportunity to gain insight into and build networks with Lusophonic countries that extends from Africa to South America and of course it offers us an opportunity to strengthen relations with Portugal and the European Union which is a very valuable partner,' he said.
'My second reference is to the department of Marine Sciences. It has several branches of study includes physical oceanography, marine geology and marine biology among others. The potential for this department is near limitless. India is surrounded by the ocean. It has a long coastline and substantial marine zone. Nevertheless, we have been slow in realising the wealth of the ocean and in developing our blue economy. From marine bio-diversity and its use for energy sources and minerals in the sea, there is so much we can work on. India can be a leader in this field and I see Goa University as a fulcrum of our blue economy knowledge enterprise. I would urge you to think and strategise in this direction,' he added.
The President said Goa University had a liberal and cosmopolitan character, in keeping with the ethos of the state and that was a major strength and it should not get diluted.
Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Goa University Vice Chancellor Professor Varun Sinha, among others, were present on the occasion.
UNI AKM 2031