BHUBANESWAR: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack, Odisha, underscoring the importance of value-based education and youth empowerment in nation-building. The ceremony was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Swami Mukundananda, ministers, academicians, and other distinguished dignitaries.
Odisha’s Rich Legacy of Knowledge and Culture Highlighted
Addressing the gathering, the President described Odisha as a land with a rich heritage of knowledge, culture, spirituality, and service. She noted that the sacred land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath has, for centuries, spread the message of inclusivity, compassion, and human welfare. Highlighting Cuttack’s historical importance, she said it is the birthplace of eminent personalities such as ‘Utkal Gourav’ Madhusudan Das, ‘Karmavir’ Gauri Shankar Ray, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Biju Patnaik. The region has also been the workplace of ‘Utkalmani’ Pandit Gopabandhu Das and ‘Utkal Kesari’ Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab. She emphasised that Cuttack’s contributions to public service, literature, and culture have been immensely inspiring.
University Expected to Blend Tradition with Modern Education
President Murmu expressed confidence that Jagadguru Kripalu University, established in such a region, will serve as a powerful medium for societal and national service. She noted that the institution is expected to integrate India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions with modern education, thereby creating a balanced and holistic learning environment.
Focus on Youth Empowerment and Value-Based Education
Highlighting India’s demographic strength, the President said the country is among the youngest in the world, making its youth the greatest asset. She stressed that universities must create an enabling environment where young people can develop their talents and realise their dreams and aspirations.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Jagadguru Kripalu University at Cuttack, Odisha. The President said that our universities must create an environment where young people can develop their talents and realize their dreams and aspirations. Universities bear the… pic.twitter.com/ix8wefZA87
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 3, 2026
She underlined the importance of imparting value-based education and said universities bear the responsibility of shaping citizens guided by integrity, discipline, sensitivity, and commitment to national interest. According to her, knowledge becomes meaningful only when it is used for the service of humanity, the welfare of society, and the progress of the nation.
Role of Universities in Building ‘Viksit Bharat’
Referring to the national vision of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, the President emphasised that higher education institutions play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. She urged universities to function as centres of knowledge where ideas and technologies are developed to address societal needs.
She also highlighted the importance of maintaining ethical values while embracing modern knowledge. Appreciating the vision of Jagadguru Kripalu University, she noted that it would promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, along with the cultural and spiritual growth of students. She expressed confidence that the university will produce skilled professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs who will contribute to the goals of ‘Viksit Odisha’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Governor Calls It a Milestone in Odisha’s Education Sector
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati described the establishment of Jagadguru Kripalu University as a significant milestone in Odisha’s educational development. He emphasized that the institution will promote value-based learning while fostering innovation and leadership among students.
Attended the inauguration of Jagadguru Kripalu University at Kataka in the presence of Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi Ji, Hon’ble Minister and other distinguished dignitaries.
Jagadguru Kripalu University marks… pic.twitter.com/RQUXLyzfqP
— Governor Odisha (@GovernorOdisha) August 3, 2026
Dr Kambhampati highlighted the importance of holistic education, stating that the university is well-positioned to blend academic excellence with ethical values. He expressed confidence that the institution will nurture a generation of skilled, responsible, and future-ready individuals capable of addressing global challenges.
He added that such initiatives are aligned with the broader vision of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat, contributing to inclusive growth and a knowledge-driven economy.
CM Majhi Stresses Skill-Based and Modern Education
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi termed the inauguration a “historic milestone” and a transformative step toward making Odisha a global hub of education, research, and ethical learning.
Welcoming the President on behalf of 4.5 crore people of the state, he said her presence has inspired new hope and enthusiasm among citizens. He highlighted that the university is not merely an educational institution but a visionary initiative aimed at nurturing talent rooted in Indian values while embracing modern knowledge systems.
ଆଜି କଟକର ଜଗଦ୍ଗୁରୁ କୃପାଳୁ ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର ଶୁଭ ଉଦ୍ଘାଟନ ସମାରୋହରେ ଭାରତର ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଶ୍ରୀମତୀ ଦ୍ରୌପଦୀ ମୁର୍ମୁ ଜୀ, ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଜ୍ୟପାଳ ଡ. ହରିବାବୁ କମ୍ଭମପାଟି ଜୀ, ପୂଜ୍ୟପାଦ ସ୍ୱାମୀ ମୁକୁନ୍ଦାନନ୍ଦ ଜୀ, ମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀଯୁକ୍ତ ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟବଂଶୀ ସୂରଜ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷାବିତ୍ମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଯୋଗଦେଲି । ପରମପୂଜ୍ୟ ଜଗଦ୍ଗୁରୁ… pic.twitter.com/zXlRjFc6Ym
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) August 3, 2026
The Chief Minister paid tribute to Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, acknowledging his role in spreading Vedic knowledge, spiritual awareness, and devotion worldwide. He said the university would serve as a unique blend of India’s spiritual heritage and cutting-edge academic disciplines.
Focus on Innovation, Research, and Social Responsibility
Majhi stated that the university will offer contemporary courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science, management, and health sciences. At the same time, it will promote human values, yoga, and mind management through dedicated centres of excellence.
He also highlighted the institution’s social outreach initiatives, including healthcare services, yoga and naturopathy centres, and skill development programmes for rural youth and women. These initiatives, he said, reflect the university’s commitment to inclusive development and social responsibility.
Alignment with National Education Goals and Industrial Growth
The Chief Minister noted that the Odisha government is prioritizing skill development, innovation, and youth empowerment. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on quality education, he said the state is aligning its policies with the National Education Policy to create a future-ready workforce.
He further highlighted that Odisha has made education free from KG to PG and is expanding industrial investments across diverse sectors such as IT, apparel, semiconductors, and petrochemicals. These initiatives, he said, are aimed at creating employment opportunities and strengthening the state’s economy.
A Step Towards Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat
Concluding the event, all dignitaries expressed confidence that Jagadguru Kripalu University will emerge as a centre of excellence in education, research, and innovation. The institution is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping a skilled, value-driven generation that will contribute significantly to the vision of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat.
