Kovind lauds female awardees
President Ram Nath Kovind, in his convocation speech at NEHU on Monday, said that he was happy to note that almost 76 per cent out of all medal awardees were girls.
“In almost all the universities where I have attended convocations, I have observed that girls have been outshining the boys. This reflects our society’s progress and points towards our bright future as a developed nation”, he said.
He also appreciated the fact that NEHU has enrolled students from Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Africa and the Middle-East.
Recalling previous visit
Even though this is his first visit to Meghalaya since assuming office as the President of India, Kovind said that he had visited the state a long time ago when he was a member of Rajya Sabha. “I had enjoyed my trip to Cherrapunjee, which along with Mawsynram is among the two places that receive the highest rainfall. The beauty of Meghalaya, the abode of clouds is ummatched”.
‘PA Sangma an inspiration’
While in Meghalaya, the President said that it is natural for him to remember (L) PA Sangma. “Mr. Sangma’s life-story is very inspiring. He showed extraordinary strength of character to scale great heights of achievement. As we all know, he rose to become the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and later, Speaker of Lok Sabha. It was a coincidence that he happened to be the Speaker when I was a member of Rajya Sabha. We had interacted on several occasions.”
“I think that the young students sitting here can draw strength from his example”, he said.
Illustrious alumni
The President also said that students of NEHU can seek inspiration from illustrious alumni namely KJ Alphons, who joined the IAS, became a member of Rajya Sabha and a union minister including David Syiemlieh who became the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission. “NEHU has impressive alumni who have made their mark in several fields in India and in many developed countries”, the President said.
