President Affirms India's Transition Toward a Women-Driven Development Model

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 16 July 2025

• India shifts focus from supporting women to enabling women-led growth, highlights President Droupadi Murmu at Ravenshaw University’s convocation
• She highlighted that women led in 21 of 27 departments, signaling a strong rising trend
• The President honored four achievers with honorary degrees for their excellence

During her address at 13th annual convocation Ravenshaw University, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized India’s transition from empowering women to enabling women-led development. She pointed to the academic achievements of female students outshining male counterparts in 21 out of 27 departments, as clear evidence of this evolution.

President Murmu advised students to explore entrepreneurial pathways and create opportunities rather than solely seeking them. She praised Ravenshaw University for its deep-rooted contribution to intellectual and social progress over the decades. During the convocation, Ravenshaw University awarded 4,839 bachelor’s degrees, 2,935 master’s degrees, 19 MPhil degrees, and 158 doctorates. Additionally, 176 students were recognized with gold medals for academic excellence.

“Over the last five years, girl students have consistently outperformed boys in academics at the institute. At the post-graduate level, the number of girl students who topped was more than three and a half times that of the boys. This reflects India was moving from women empowerment to women-led development,” Murmu said.

In a gesture of high recognition, the President conferred honorary degrees on four distinguished personalities for their outstanding achievements in their respective domains. This year’s honorary degrees were awarded to Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy; environmentalist Sabarmatee; Bijay Kumar Rath, founder of Odisha’s first braille press; and Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, in recognition of their exemplary contributions to their respective fields.

The educational institution has emerged as a forward-looking academic hub, advancing research, fostering innovation, and embracing inclusivity , the President noted. She emphasized that the university continues to build on its historic foundation of academic distinction. The convocation was graced in the presence of high-profile dignitaries.