President urges tribal universities to foster inclusive development
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday called for tribal universities to evolve into centres of leadership, innovation, and inclusive development, with a focus on empowering tribal communities through education, skills, and sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh, she said these institutions must move beyond the remit of higher education to build leadership and policy-making capacities among tribal youth, while also engaging at the grassroots level in healthcare, livelihoods, and awareness of forest rights.
She emphasised livelihood-oriented education and urged tribal universities to generate employment opportunities in areas such as minor forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism, and local entrepreneurship. Students, she said, should focus on acquiring practical skills and remain closely connected to their communities while contributing to society.
Highlighting the need to blend India’s cultural heritage with modern science and technology, Ms. Murmu said the university’s Science and Technology Hub and its initiatives in tribal welfare, public health, climate change, food and nutrition security, and energy conservation would support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer described the university’s first convocation as a milestone in expanding access to quality higher education for tribal communities.
Chancellor Madan Lal Meena said the university had successfully integrated indigenous knowledge with modern education and urged graduates to uphold integrity and embrace lifelong learning.
Officiating Vice-Chancellor T. Tantravahi Srinivasan called upon the graduating students to remain rooted in their values and contribute to building an inclusive and developed India.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh, and Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani also addressed the gathering.