During her official visit to Romania, President Droupadi Murmu was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. This accolade, known as Doctor Honoris Causa, represents the university’s highest honour and recognises significant contributions made by individuals in academia, public service, and international collaboration.

In her speech upon receiving the honour, Murmu expressed her deep gratitude and highlighted the transformative impact of education in her life. She emphasised the long-standing cultural and educational connections between India and Romania, urging students to combine knowledge with values, ethics, and compassion.

Murmu acknowledged the importance of her experience in education, having grown up in a small village and being the first girl from her community to attend college. She articulated that education serves as a great equaliser, commenting, “It does not ask where you were born, only how far you are willing to travel.”

The Role of Education in Public Service

Highlighting her earlier career as an educator in India, Murmu shared insights from her time teaching, where she observed the substantial potential of education to alter lives. Her experiences confirmed her belief that education is foundational not just for individual growth but for fostering a just and inclusive society.

Addressing the contemporary landscape, Murmu remarked on the evolving responsibilities of universities amid rapidly advancing technologies. She asserted that institutions must ensure their pursuit of knowledge is aligned with wisdom, ethics, and compassion, particularly as fields such as artificial intelligence reshape societal norms.

The President also reflected on the shared cultural heritage of India and Romania, noting that geographic distance does not diminish the historical ties between their civilisations. She cited Rabindranath Tagore’s impactful visit to Bucharest in 1926 as an example of this enduring connection, highlighting his message on the unity of the human spirit.

Cultural Connections and Future Collaborations

Murmu pointed out the influence of Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu, who studied Indian philosophy during his education, as a testament to the mutual respect and understanding that exists between the two nations. She referred to the ancient Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to “the world is one family,” to encapsulate the ethos of collaboration and shared responsibility for the future.

The partnership in education has been a strong pillar in the relationship between India and Romania, with numerous Romanian universities hosting Indian students in programmes related to medicine, engineering, and technology. In her address, Murmu urged both students and faculty to view success as a measure not just of personal achievement but also of the positive societal impact one can make.

Concluding her remarks, Murmu encouraged students to remain inquisitive in their pursuit of knowledge, to trust their capabilities, and to act with compassion. She urged them to utilise their skills to foster cultural understanding and contribute towards a more harmonious and prosperous global community.

Professor Gheorghe Hurduzeu, President of the Senate of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, described the decision to award Murmu with this honour as a recognition of her life’s work, which exemplifies the transformative power of education. The ceremony underscored both the prestigious accolade granted to the President and the significant friendship between India and Romania that she notably addressed.

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