The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University at Gangtok, Sikkim today (May 27, 2026). Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Sikkim holds a distinct identity for its natural beauty, culture and biodiversity. Kanchenjunga, one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, stands as nature's invaluable gift to Sikkim.
The people of Sikkim revere this peak as their guardian deity. A profound sense of responsibility toward the conservation and nurturing of nature is evident among them. The President said that it is a matter of immense pride for Sikkim that it became India's first fully organic state in 2016.
She was happy to note that Sikkim has demonstrated that development and nature conservation can indeed go hand in hand. She stated that initiatives such as curbing plastic usage, promoting organic farming, and protecting the environment serve as an inspiration for the entire nation.
If every individual were to assume responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings, as well as for nature and society, the country could achieve rapid progress. The President said that it is a matter of pride for all fellow citizens, especially the people of Sikkim, that Sikkim has now become a fully literate state.
She congratulated the government and people of Sikkim for this landmark achievement. The President said that the development of the North-Eastern region is indispensable for the inclusive progress of the country. The youth of this region possess immense talent.
She urged the students of Sikkim University, hailing from Sikkim as well as other states, to stay connected to each other and to move forward with a collective spirit of contributing to national development. She said that through their competence and dedication, they can improve the lives of people belonging to marginalized sections of society.
In doing so, they can play important role in fostering inclusive development. The President said that Sikkim University bears special responsibility of preserving the region's language, culture, and environment, apart from being a centre for education and research.
She was happy to note that this university integrates modern education with local traditions, ecological consciousness and social responsibility. She said that it is the appropriate path to foster the holistic development of students. The President said that education is a vital instrument for self-reliance.
She urged students to empower themselves through education and work for the betterment of the nation and society. She advised them to always have complete faith in their own capabilities; learn from the experiences and knowledge of others; achieve progress through collaboration, not in isolation; and define both short-term and long-term objectives and formulate a strategy to achieve them.
She said that we are advancing towards the goal of building a developed India by the year 2047. She expressed confidence that the students will move forward in their chosen fields internalizing the values of efficiency, equity, and sustainability.
Earlier in the day, the President flagged off the 'Ama Didi Bahini Bus Sewa' - pink buses for women, and Resource Recovery vehicles for solid waste management at Gangtok, Sikkim.