kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind today urged students to help the marginalised as they set targets for the future and said it was their duty to repay society.
Addressing the 83rd convocation of the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University of Agra, he urged the scholars to work with dedication and use opportunities to the fullest.
"The sky is the limit," he said.
Kovind said students who graduated today would now be deciding on their targets.
"Whatever target you set, you must strive hard to achieve it. Along with your progress, you must take along people who are left behind," he said.
Kovind said the university had an illustrious history of nine decades and had produced presidents, prime ministers and other stalwarts.
He urged the students to see the convocation not as the end of a journey but the start of a new phase of responsibility and learning.
Kovind referred to the many people who had contributed to their education -- from family and teachers to those in government and society.
They helped give students an opportunity that millions in the country were unable to get, he said.
"Therefore, it is the duty of the graduating students to pay back to society in some way, and work for the cause of humanity," he said.
The president expressed confidence that the university would continue to play a meaningful role in preparing younger generations for the challenges of the 21st century.
Kovind also paid rich tributes to the framer of the Constitution, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, and urged the students to take inspiration from his teachings and life.
The president, himself a graduate of Agra University, congratulated NSA chief Ajit Doval and scientist woman Tessy Thomas, who were given honorary degrees by the varsity.
UP governor Ram Naik, who was present on the occasion, said he was happy to note that most medal-winners -- 96 out of 114 -- were women.
A new dress code had been prescribed for the convocation for graduates and the faculty. The men wore dhotis and kurtas, and women, white saris with red borders.
