The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the 20th convocation of the University of Kashmir in Srinagar and addressed the attendees. During her speech, she commended the responsible youth of Kashmir and encouraged the students of the University of Kashmir to actively engage in community service alongside their academic pursuits. She emphasized that through this engagement, they could drive positive societal changes and serve as role models. The President expressed her pleasure in observing the university's alumni contributing to the nation's honor through their service.

Regarding the University of Kashmir's motto, which signifies a journey from darkness to light, the President highlighted that the more young people pursue education and work towards peace, the greater the progress our nation will experience. She stressed that societies and countries whose youth prioritize development and discipline advance toward prosperity. The President noted with satisfaction that 55 percent of the students at Kashmir University are female and emphasized their crucial role in shaping the nation's leadership. She expressed her confidence in the transformative potential of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act' 2023 for women-led development in the country.

Speaking about sustainable development, the President underscored that the principles of sustainability have deep roots in Kashmir's heritage. She referred to a proverb stating that the availability of food depends on the preservation of forests, highlighting our collective responsibility to safeguard this earthly paradise. She urged Kashmir University to be vigilant in conserving the Himalayan ecosystem and expressed her contentment with the ongoing efforts in glaciology, biodiversity preservation, and the Himalayan Ice-Core Laboratory. She anticipated that the university would expedite work in these crucial areas.

The President mentioned the National Education Policy's emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems, suggesting that a profound understanding of these systems can inspire our youth. She cited an ancient expert named Suyya, who, over 1200 years ago, employed hydraulic engineering techniques to protect Srinagar from the Jhelum flood, as an example. She stressed that our country possesses invaluable knowledge and scientific treasures across various fields. It is the academic community's responsibility to find ways to adapt and utilize these organically developed knowledge systems in today's context.