Edn is key to women empowerment: Prez

President Droupadi Murmu hands over a degree to an outgoing student during the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University, in Gangtok, on Wednesday. (PTI)

PTI

GANGTOK, May 27: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said education is a powerful tool for women’s empowerment.

Addressing the 7th convocation of Sikkim University in Gangtok, Murmu noted that women students dominated the list of medal recipients, adding that there cannot be a better example of women’s empowerment through education. “I am glad to note that 70 per cent of the students receiving medals are girls,” she said.

Praising the achievements of the women students, Murmu said they had attained academic excellence through talent, hard work and determination, and wished them success in their future careers.

She also shared a series of ‘mantras’ for success with graduating students. “Trust in your abilities, learn from the experience and knowledge of others, collaborate instead of isolating yourselves, prioritise short-term and long-term goals, and become self-reliant and successful contributors to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’,” she said.

The president also referred to the launch of the women-exclusive ‘Pink City Runner – Aama Didi Bahini Bus Sewa’ earlier in the day and thanked Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for giving her an opportunity to be a part of the initiative.

The newly launched bus service in Gangtok is operated entirely by women staff and dedicated exclusively to women commuters.

Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Sikkim, also praised the Himalayan state for preserving its natural beauty and ecological balance. (PTI)