Chandigarh, Mar 13: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged Panjab University (PU) policymakers to enhance university-industry linkages and ensure future readiness in education.
Speaking at the university’s 72nd convocation, she stressed that education should equip students for life’s challenges.
“PU has built a strong reputation in academics, sports, research, and cultural fields over the past 140 years,” Murmu said, acknowledging its contribution to higher education. She noted that the university has won the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy 17 times and praised students Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh for making the country proud with their medal-winning performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Recognizing the high academic performance of female students, she added, “I have been told that while the number of boys and girls studying here is nearly equal, over 80% of the university toppers are girls. I heartily congratulate them on this achievement.”
Murmu became the sixth president to address PU’s convocation, following Rajendra Prasad (1951), Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy (1981), Giani Zail Singh (1985), A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2007), and Pranab Mukherjee (2015).
The event was attended by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
