President appeals to Eklavya Model Residential School students to dream big

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday appealed to the students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to dream big and achieve their goals with dedication, discipline, and self-confidence. According to a Hindustan Times report, the President stated that while students' roots may be connected to villages, there are no limits to their flight. She emphasised that a rural background should never limit their ambitions.

During an interaction with bright tribal students at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she highlighted the importance of education, stating that education should not merely be a means of earning a livelihood, but should enable youth to create employment opportunities for others. She added that when youth create employment, the country's inclusive development will gain further momentum.

This interaction was organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, which is celebrated every year on the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Underlining the importance of tribal education to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047, Murmu said that the development of every section of society and every region is inevitable for the country's progress.

She noted that Eklavya Model Residential Schools are providing quality education to tribal children and simultaneously providing opportunities to develop their various talents. Mentioning students who have gained admission to prestigious engineering and legal institutions, the President said that their achievements confirm that there is no lack of talent in India. Only proper opportunities, a conducive environment, and right guidance are needed.

Seeing almost equal representation of boys and girls in these schools, she described it as an indicator of progress towards inclusive development. Mentioning that most students come from rural backgrounds and many are the first person in their families to receive residential education, she encouraged students to explore opportunities outside the village while remaining connected to their communities.

The President congratulated the winners of the Tribal Business Conclave Open Grand Challenge and the Tribe-preneurs Idea Quest and urged them to take advantage of initiatives promoting tribal entrepreneurship and innovation. She also mentioned the establishment of 'Adi Karmayogi' student chapters in 100 leading institutions, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and Central Universities, to nurture tribal leadership and innovation. She told students to stay informed about national and international developments and remain aware of current trends to strengthen their logical and analytical abilities. Furthermore, she suggested that when they return to their villages, they should share information about government welfare schemes and important developments with their families, relatives, and neighbours.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda was a famous tribal freedom fighter. Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada is celebrated every year on his birth anniversary.