Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh said that the true purpose of education is not merely to award degrees but to transform people’s lives by creating opportunities, building leadership, and empowering every section of society. He made these remarks while addressing the first convocation ceremony of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh held in Visakhapatnam.
The convocation was attended by Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest, along with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer.
Addressing the graduating students, Lokesh said every generation inherits a nation, but education determines what kind of nation it leaves behind for the future. He described universities as institutions that do much more than confer degrees, saying they nurture dreams, build confidence, develop leaders, and shape the future of generations.
He said the university’s first convocation was not just an academic milestone but also a celebration of inclusion and equal opportunity. According to him, quality education must reach every corner of the country and every section of society if India is to achieve the vision of a developed nation.
Lokesh emphasized that the dream of a “Viksit Bharat” can become a reality only when every region and every community progresses together. He noted that tribal universities are not merely educational institutions but engines of social transformation that provide equal opportunities to students from underserved communities. He added that when the first graduate emerges from a family, it uplifts not only that household but also contributes to the nation’s overall development.
Speaking about President Droupadi Murmu, Lokesh said there could not have been a more meaningful chief guest for the university’s first convocation. He recalled her journey from a small tribal village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district to becoming the President of India, describing her life as a powerful example of how education can transform lives.
Lokesh highlighted that Murmu became the first woman graduate from her village despite facing significant challenges in accessing education. He said her journey from serving as a teacher to becoming a councillor, legislator, state minister, Governor of Jharkhand, and eventually the President of India reflected the power of dedication, public service, and perseverance rather than political inheritance.
He also spoke about the personal tragedies she endured, including the loss of close family members, and said her resilience and return to public service demonstrated extraordinary courage. Referring to her words during the Presidential oath ceremony, he said her election proved that even the poorest citizens of India can dream big and achieve those dreams.
Addressing the graduating students, Lokesh urged them to remember that life would ultimately judge them not by the degrees they earned but by the positive impact they created in society. He said education should inspire students to solve real-world problems, improve people’s lives, and contribute to nation-building.
The minister also spoke about the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, stating that while AI can provide answers, it can never replace human values, compassion, curiosity, and character. He stressed that universities must focus not only on producing skilled professionals but also responsible citizens, ethical leaders, and lifelong learners.
Highlighting the Andhra Pradesh government’s vision for higher education under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh said the state is working to build future-ready universities that promote research, innovation, industry-linked skills, and leadership development. He added that the government’s goal is not simply to produce graduates but to nurture future leaders capable of competing with the best talent globally.
He said every student should become employable, every university should emerge as a centre of innovation, and every researcher should receive opportunities to contribute to society. According to him, building confidence among young people to compete on the global stage remains one of the state’s key priorities.
Concluding his address, Lokesh encouraged students to carry their knowledge with confidence, remain proud of their roots, uphold their values with humility, and dedicate themselves to serving society. He said while a degree may help build a career, it is one’s character and service to society that create a lasting legacy.
During the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu presented gold medals to meritorious students in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements. The event was also attended by Andhra Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani, university Chancellor Professor Madan Lal Meena, Vice-Chancellor Professor T. Srinivasan, and several other dignitaries.