President Droupadi Murmu stressed the significance of women's higher education in achieving India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Vishwa Vidyalaya (DAVV) on its diamond jubilee year, Murmu emphasised that women's development is crucial for the country's progress.
The President highlighted the impressive achievement of female students at DAVV, where they outnumbered their male counterparts among the gold and silver medal winners.
Murmu also underscored the importance of inclusivity, seeking cooperation to bring people from backward communities into the mainstream of development. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan "Sabka saath, sabka vikas aur sabka prayas" (everyone's support, development, and efforts), she emphasised the need for collective effort.
The President's remarks come at a time when India is striving to achieve its development goals. With women making up nearly 50% of the population, their participation in the workforce and contribution to GDP are critical.
India’s female population constitutes 49.3% of the total, according to the Census 2021. However, only 26.8% of women pursue higher education, as reported by the NSSO 2020-21. The country ranks 135th in gender parity, based on the World Economic Forum’s 2022 report. To address these disparities, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting women’s education. These include the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, the National Education Policy 2020, and various scholarship schemes for girls. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to empower women and ensure their active participation in the nation’s development
President Murmu's call to action highlights the significance of women's higher education in achieving India's development goals. As the country strives to become a developed nation by 2047, empowering women through education will be critical.
