President Murmu in Odisha: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Jagadguru Kripalu University at Cuttack, Odisha today (August 3, 2026).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Odisha has been a land with a rich tradition of knowledge, culture, spirituality and service. For centuries, this sacred land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath has spread the message of inclusivity, compassion and human welfare.
The region of Cuttack is the birthplace of great luminaries such as ‘Utkal Gourav’ Madhusudan Das, ‘Karmavir’ Gauri Shankar Ray, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Biju Patnaik. It is also the workplace for ‘Utkalmani’ Pandit Gopabandhu Das and ‘Utkal Kesari’ Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab. Cuttack’s contribution to the fields of public service, literature, and culture has been immensely significant and inspiring. It is expected that the Jagadguru Kripalu University, established in such a glorious region, will serve as a powerful medium for the service of society and the nation by integrating India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions with modern education.
The President said that India is among the countries with the youngest populations in the world. This is our greatest asset. To make optimal use of this asset, our universities must create an environment where young people can develop their talents and realize their dreams and aspirations. They must be provided with value-based education. Universities bear the responsibility of shaping citizens guided by integrity, discipline, sensitivity and a commitment to the national interest. She stated that the knowledge acquired by the youth becomes truly meaningful only when it is used in the service of humanity, the welfare of society, and the progress of the nation.
The President said that we have set a goal to build Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. Our higher education institutions play a pivotal role in achieving this objective. She urged universities to function as centres of knowledge where the ideas and technologies developed address the needs of society. She said that while embracing modern knowledge, students should remain committed to ethical values.
She was happy to note that Jagadguru Kripalu University will foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship while emphasizing the cultural and spiritual growth of students. She expressed confidence that this university will produce skilled manpower, researchers, and entrepreneurs who will contribute to realizing the goals of a ‘Viksit Odisha’ and a ‘Viksit Bharat’
