President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that Indian languages are central to the country’s cultural and intellectual identity, as she addressed the sixth convocation ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Maharashtra’s Wardha.
Addressing students and faculty, the President emphasised that “the soul of India finds expression through Indian languages,” noting that a shared stream of culture, sensibility and consciousness flows across the country’s linguistic diversity. She expressed satisfaction that students from various parts of India, including the North-East, are pursuing education at the university, and said such inter-linguistic engagement would strengthen all Indian languages, including Hindi.
President Murmu urged students to take pride in India’s heritage and align themselves with key national objectives, including shedding remnants of a colonial mindset and reviving the country’s traditional knowledge systems. She advised students not to oppose any language but to embrace and celebrate India’s linguistic diversity.
Highlighting the significance of the institution being named after Mahatma Gandhi, the President said it was a fitting tribute and called upon stakeholders to work with dedication towards promoting Hindi and other Indian languages. She expressed confidence that the university community would continue to uphold Gandhian ideals and enhance the institution’s stature.
President Murmu also referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s views on education, describing them as highly relevant even today. She noted that Gandhiji regarded education as a foundation for self-reliance and believed it should be closely connected to the needs and lives of the people. According to her, meaningful education involves understanding societal realities and contributing to the welfare of the masses.
President Murmu further stressed that original thinking and innovation are best nurtured in one’s own language. She said that building a strong, self-reliant and developed India requires a solid foundation rooted in Indian languages. She also highlighted the role of initiatives such as the National Education Policy in promoting linguistic and educational advancement.
Expressing confidence in the graduating students, the President said they would not only achieve personal success but also contribute meaningfully to nation-building and enhance India’s global standing.
