05/08/2026
Immensely pleased to be at Amaravati for the convocation at Amrita University this morning. Amrita University has a model vision. It seeks to provide education for life & education for living inspired by its guiding light & an iconic symbol of humanism, Amma, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. Deeply impressed to learn that students at Amrita believe & practice that the main purpose of education should be to think beyond machines & impart a culture of the heart. This is both novel & necessary.
As students step into a world filled with opportunities & challenges, they should also look beyond personal success & recognize their larger responsibility towards society & the nation. They should think about their own future which is intertwined with the future of the nation, positively. Today’s students are a part of one of the most transformative periods in India's history & should think about their own future & nation-building, as well.
The democratization of education must remain one of our highest priorities. Every child, irrespective of economic background or geographical location, deserves access to quality education. Students in rural & remote areas must enjoy the same educational opportunities as those in our cities. Modern technology, digital learning platforms, improved infrastructure, & committed teachers can help bridge this gap & ensure that talent is nurtured wherever it is found.
Pleased that Amrita’s Multidisciplinary Research Centres foster innovation by integrating technology, science, & humanities. They seek to address global challenges through collaborative research, driving groundbreaking discoveries & practical solutions for societal well-being. Impressed with the pioneering work in bio-medical engineering, online laboratories & virtual simulation labs among others which form a part of educational technologies at Amrita University.
Good health is built upon daily habits. I would urge students & the youth to choose a balanced & nutritious diet, based on a wide variety of options from our native Indian cuisine. They should remain physically active, avoid harmful addictions, & pay attention to their mental & emotional well-being.