President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said it was the responsibility of universities to be alert and active about issues like climate change, pollution, war and unrest, terrorism, women’s insecurity and inequality which were presenting challenges before humanity.

”From ancient times till today, the world’s leading universities have found solutions to the problems of the individual and society and have contributed to achieving the goals of society,” she noted while addressing the sixth convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.

The president said that character-building was one of the main objectives of education.  Invaluable opportunities for character building should never be lost by going with the flow of the moment.

She said that young students have a natural tendency to curiosity, questioning and the use of logic. This tendency should always be encouraged. Opposition to unscientific stereotypes by the younger generation should also be encouraged. Acceptance or rejection of ideas should be based on debate and dialogue.

Noting that students from all over India were studying at the JNU, she said the university presented a lively reflection of the cultural unity of India amid the diversity. Students from many other countries also were studying at the university. ”Thus, JNU’s attraction as a centre of learning goes beyond India.” She also pointed out that the JNU was known for its progressive practices and rich contributions in terms of social sensitivity, inclusion and women empowerment.

Students and faculty of the JNU have made impressive contributions in various fields such as education and research, politics, civil service, diplomacy, social work, science & technology, media, literature, art and culture, she said.

She was happy to note that the university has been in the second position continuously since  2017 among the universities of the country under the ‘National Institutional Ranking Framework’.

The president said that the vision, mission and objectives of the JNU were articulated in its founding legislation. These basic ideals included national integration, social justice, secularism, a democratic way of life, international understanding and a scientific approach to the problems of society. She urged the university community to remain steadfast in its adherence to these foundational principles.

The president expressed confidence that universities like the JNU would contribute effectively to upholding the ideals of India’s freedom struggle, preserving the values of the Constitution and achieving the goals of nation-building.