Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh has special responsibilities: President Murmu
Synopsis
At the first-ever convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh, President Droupadi Murmu laid out a sweeping mandate — from forest-produce entrepreneurship to a Science and Technology Hub for North Andhra's tribal communities — framing the institution as a cornerstone of India's Viksit Bharat ambitions for its most marginalised citizens.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh in Vizianagaram on 30 June .
She called on the university to become a hub for self-confidence, leadership , and policy-making within tribal society.
The university runs a 'Science and Technology Hub' to empower tribal communities of North Andhra Pradesh .
Murmu urged graduates to combine modern skill development with rootedness in community, culture, and traditions .
Abdul Nazeer , Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan , and Minister Nara Lokesh were present at the ceremony.
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, 30 June said that the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh bears several special responsibilities, calling on the institution to become a hub for self-confidence, leadership, and policy-making capabilities within tribal society. She was addressing the university's first convocation ceremony held at Vizianagaram.
Key Responsibilities Outlined
President Murmu emphasised that institutions established with the objective of social justice must work at the grassroots level for the education, health, skill development, livelihoods, and forest rights of tribal communities in their region. She expressed confidence that the university will make meaningful efforts towards the holistic development of youth from marginalised and tribal communities, as well as the broader development of the region in the years ahead.
She further stated that all universities — and tribal universities in particular — should have innovative systems in place to enhance tribal livelihoods, facilitating productive work in areas such as forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism, and local entrepreneurship.
Message to Graduating Students
Addressing the graduating batch, President Murmu described the convocation as a significant milestone — a day of celebration, but also a moment of resolve. She advised students to focus on emerging areas of skill development to stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment, and to go beyond textbook learning by drawing practical knowledge from their surrounding ecosystem.
Students must strive to improve the future of society and the nation while remaining connected to their community, culture, and traditions, she said.
Science, Heritage and Viksit Bharat
President Murmu noted that in a rapidly developing India, staying connected to heritage while extending the benefits of modern science to every section of society is essential. She highlighted that the university is already operating a 'Science and Technology Hub' to empower the tribal communities of North Andhra Pradesh.
She also acknowledged the university's focus on academic and grassroots-level work spanning tribal welfare, public health, climate change, food and nutrition security, and energy conservation. The President expressed confidence that these efforts will contribute to building an equitable and developed India, and that the university will play a significant role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat through inclusive, practical, and environment-focused teaching.
Dignitaries Present
The convocation was also attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Development and Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh.
Point of View
Millets, and eco-tourism as livelihood levers is significant: it signals that tribal universities must be development agencies, not just degree factories. Yet the real test will be whether the university's Science and Technology Hub and grassroots programmes translate into measurable outcomes for North Andhra's tribal population, or remain aspirational talking points at annual convocations. With Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in attendance, the political visibility is high — accountability mechanisms need to match it.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Murmu say at the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh convocation?
President Droupadi Murmu said the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh bears special responsibilities, including fostering leadership and policy-making within tribal society and working at the grassroots level on education, health, skill development, livelihoods, and forest rights. She addressed the university's first convocation in Vizianagaram on 30 June.
What is the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh?
It is a centrally established university in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, created with the objective of social justice and the holistic development of tribal and marginalised communities. It operates, among other initiatives, a Science and Technology Hub to empower tribal communities of North Andhra Pradesh.
What is the 'Science and Technology Hub' mentioned by President Murmu?
The Science and Technology Hub is an initiative run by the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh to empower tribal communities of North Andhra Pradesh through modern science and technology. President Murmu highlighted it as an example of the university's commitment to extending the benefits of modern education to tribal society.
Who attended the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh?
The convocation was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Development and Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh, in addition to President Droupadi Murmu, who delivered the address.
What areas did President Murmu say tribal universities should focus on for livelihoods?
President Murmu said tribal universities should develop innovative systems to enhance livelihoods in areas such as forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism, and local entrepreneurship, linking academic work directly to community economic development.
