While addressing the 18th convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, President Ram NathKovind emphasized the need to enhance the participation of women in the field of science and technology. Addressing a virtual audience, President Kovind said "Growth and excellence of women in the technical area will add a new dimension to our national development." He also spoke about the need for an increasing number of girls to get a higher education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The enrollment of women in engineering and technical institutions in India is abysmally low at only 20 percent, he said. He further added that girls should be encouraged to pursue technical education and excel in the same manner as they do in other areas. “Our daughters are outshining boys and getting more gold medals in arts and other fields," he said.
Speaking about the importance of picking things that bring satisfaction to oneself, President Kovind said, “Do what takes you closer to your aspirations. Do what makes your families proud of you. Plan for yourself a fruitful and productive path ahead.”
The first citizen of India also advised students to never judge success only in terms of material gains. “You don't have to limit yourself by the pressures of conventional notions of success and societal norms. You need to figure out what you really want to do in your life,” President Kovind added.
