Sambalpur, Nov. 7: Director of Delhi-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) B.K. Das today laid stress on youth empowerment while describing them as the "storehouse of infinite energy".
"The greatest wealth and strength of every nation is its youth. The future of the nation lies in their hands," said Das, while addressing the convocation ceremony of Sambalpur University.
"India has 65 per cent youth population. Such a large percentage of youth means an increase in per capita output of our nation. The creative potentials of the younger generation, coupled with their zeal, energy and versatility, can work wonders for our country," said the defence scientist.
"It is the youth who needs to be more productive to transform the country from a developing nation to a developed one," Das said.
Odisha governor and varsity chancellor S.C. Jamir was also present on the occasion. He stressed on research activities in the universities and said the spirit of innovation should be nurtured in young minds.
Encouraging the youth for research activities, Jamir urged the students to aspire and become innovators to combat challenges. "Research work must occupy the centre stage in the intellectually stimulating environment of all our universities. For an academician, teaching brings enormous satisfaction but research is an activity that fuels creative energy and enriches the intellectual life of the universities," said Jamir.
Advising the graduating students to adopt a positive and constructive approach towards the dynamics of the future, Jamir said it was their creativity, knowledge and spirit of innovation that would bring the difference and make them the ultimate winner.
Emphasising on the empowerment of the youth, Jamir said: "Youth have the power and energy to bring about a positive change."
The university conferred doctor of literature degree on noted film-maker Sabyasachi Mohapatra and renowned litterateur Harishankar Badapanda. Honorary degrees were also presented to engineer Prasanta Kumar Pradhan and renowned teacher Rajendra Prasad Mohanty.
About 118 students were awarded PhDs and 90 meritorious students received gold medals on the occasion.
The vice-chancellor of the varsity, C.R. Tripathy, and registrar M. Muthukumar also spoke at the event.
