President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday stressed the need to encourage research in the education system, and said research scholars in India are capable of finding solutions to the problems not only faced by the country but by the world.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 gives impetus to research, she noted while addressing the 21st convocation ceremony at Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune.

Murmu also urged students to pursue excellence and not to equate success with material possessions like money, a big house or a car. “I am confident that the young generation is working hard towards the development of the country. People of the country possess a lot of talent and skill.

“I want you to understand the requirements of the society and using your knowledge, come up with solutions that can help in the development of the masses, especially those who are marginalised, and it can encourage sustainability,” the President said.

Through the government schemes, like Start-Up India, Skill India and Stand-Up India, the young generation can achieve its aims, she said.

“I would like to tell everyone here that research should be encouraged in the education system. Research scholars from India are capable of finding solutions not only to the problems within the country but from the world. In the National Education Policy, the research has been given impetus,” the President added.

The President urged professors, faculty members, and alumni of Symbiosis University to promote research in the education system.

Years of research lead to new inventions and provide new solutions to challenges, the President noted, adding that multi-disciplinary research centres are working in many areas, including water resource management, stem cell, nano-science, and climate change at Symbiosis University.

The President advised students to try to achieve excellence in every task.

“You must have heard the saying 'Chase excellence and success will follow'. But many times it happens that some people consider having more money, a big house, a big car, and other things as a sign of success,” she said. Murmu expressed confidence that students will understand the true meaning of success and undertake work which will also improve the standard of living of others. Students can bring a positive change in the country and abroad with their personality and knowledge, she said. “Students can make effective contributions in management, healthcare, law, social sciences, and other fields through innovation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning,” she said.

The President urged students to understand the culture of different communities and regions in India and their needs.

Based on this knowledge of regions and communities, students should create software, healthcare products, and marketing strategies that help in the development of everyone, especially the underprivileged sections, and also promote sustainability, the President said.

Initiatives like Start-up India, Skill India, Make in India and Digital India will also help students in achieving their goals.