02-11-2025:President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Felicitates Gold Medalists at the 2nd Convocation Ceremony of Patanjali University, Haridwar
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu felicitated the gold medal-winning students at the second convocation ceremony of Patanjali University, Haridwar. A total of 1,454 students were awarded degrees at the ceremony held on Sunday. Among them, 62 scholars received the Vidya Varidhi degree and 3 scholars were conferred Vidya Vachaspati, while 615 students received postgraduate and 774 undergraduate degrees. On this occasion, Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.) presented the President with copies of two books—Flora of Rashtrapati Bhavan and Medicinal Plants of Rashtrapati Bhavan—based on the diverse flora of the Presidential Estate.
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu congratulated and blessed all the graduating students. Appreciating the medal-winning students, she also commended the teachers and parents who contributed to their success. The President expressed happiness that 64% of the graduating students were women and that the number of female medalists was four times higher than that of male students. She stated that this achievement reflects the vision of a developed India, where women are taking the lead in all spheres of life.
The President said that Patanjali University is making the penance, discipline, and wisdom of Maharishi Patanjali accessible to modern society. Through education and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy, the university is playing a vital role in building a healthy India. She appreciated the university’s India-centric approach to education, which blends the spirit of universal brotherhood, Vedic knowledge, and modern scientific outlook to address global challenges. She urged students to adopt life values rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.”
The President emphasized that the purpose of education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge but also the inculcation of virtues like morality, discipline, simplicity, and commitment to duty. She urged students to play an active role not only in self-development but also in nation-building. Highlighting the cultural importance of Haridwar, situated on the banks of the Ganga, she said the sacred city is a confluence of knowledge and spirituality. The President expressed confidence that the students of Patanjali University would uphold ideals of self-study and discipline and contribute to building a healthy, cultured, and harmonious society.
Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.) warmly welcomed President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and described her visit to Devbhoomi as a moment of pride. The Governor said that Uttarakhand is not just a state but the spiritual heart of yoga, Ayurveda, and philosophy. The ancient traditions of yoga and Ayurveda, nurtured on this sacred land, have spread India’s message of health, balance, and harmony across the world. He remarked that Uttarakhand’s Rishi tradition continues to inspire humanity that the highest purpose of knowledge is not self-gain, but the welfare of all beings.
The Governor extended his best wishes to all the graduating students and expressed hope that they would successfully meet future challenges. He said that today’s graduates will uphold the aspirations of their nation, state, and society and use their education, skills, and training for the welfare of humanity.
The Governor added that the knowledge attained by ancient sages was not meant only for personal enlightenment but for the welfare of the entire universe. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, yoga has gained global recognition through the United Nations’ declaration of International Yoga Day—honoring India’s millennia-old scientific tradition. In recent years, yoga and Ayurveda have brought about a health revolution, benefiting millions across the world.
Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed President Smt. Droupadi Murmu on behalf of the 1.25 crore divine citizens of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. He said that the President has always prioritized the welfare of the last person in society and has worked for the empowerment of the underprivileged and backward sections. Her recent flight in the fighter jet Rafale inspired the nation with her courage, patriotism, and determination. The Chief Minister described her as a person embodying the compassion of motherhood, the spirit of service, and an unwavering commitment to the nation. He said that it is the privilege of the people of Uttarakhand to receive her guidance as the state marks 25 years of its foundation.
The Chief Minister urged the graduating students to use their knowledge and skills not only for their personal growth but also for the prosperity of their families and the welfare of society. He said that under the guidance of Swami Ramdev, Patanjali University is doing remarkable work in connecting modern education with Indian values and traditions. The university represents a confluence of science and spirituality where students not only gain academic knowledge but also imbibe Indian life values. Through the integration of modern science and ancient wisdom, the university has developed an educational model that unites yoga, Ayurveda, science, and technology.
The Chief Minister further said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government is undertaking several innovative initiatives. Along with the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, new courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data have been introduced in universities and research institutions of the state. To promote deep study of Indian culture, philosophy, and history, a “Centre for Hindu Studies” has been established at Doon University. Additionally, the construction of Science City in Dehradun, Astro Park in Haldwani, and Science Centre in Almora is promoting scientific research across the state.
The event was also attended by Swami Ramdev, Chancellor of Patanjali University; Acharya Balkrishna, Vice-Chancellor; Member of Parliament Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat; Dr. Kalpana Saini; and other distinguished guests.
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