President of India Droupadi Murmu graced the first convocation ceremony of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh at Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh on June 30, 2026. The President stated that the university bears special responsibilities and is expected to become a hub for fostering self-confidence, leadership and policy-making capabilities within tribal society. She emphasized that institutions established with social justice objectives have a duty to work at grassroots level for education, health, skill development, livelihoods and forest rights of tribal communities in their region.
The President advised that all universities, particularly Tribal Universities, should implement innovative systems to enhance tribal livelihoods through productive work in forest produce, handicrafts, millets, medicinal plants, eco-tourism and local entrepreneurship. She noted that the university is operating a 'Science and Technology Hub' to empower tribal communities of North Andhra Pradesh and has focused efforts on both academic and grassroots work in tribal welfare, public health, climate change, food and nutrition security and energy conservation.
The convocation marks a significant milestone for students, with the President advising them to focus on emerging horizons of skill development, learn from their surrounding ecosystem beyond textbook learning, and remain connected to their community, culture and traditions while striving to improve society and the nation. The President expressed confidence that the university will play a significant role in building Viksit Bharat by 2047 through its meaningful, inclusive, and practical teaching methodology that focuses on environmental conservation and integrating tribal people with beneficial aspects of modern education.