Noida: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said universities play a vital role in nurturing talent and providing young minds a platform to realise their potential, and urged students to actively contribute to nation-building, including by participating in public life.

Addressing the annual convocation of Amity University here, Goyal congratulated nearly 29,000 graduating students, including online and on-campus learners, and said their achievements were the real highlight of the ceremony. He lauded the university's scholarship-driven, merit-based admissions and noted with satisfaction that women constitute about half of its student population.

Highlighting the institution's innovation ecosystem, Goyal said Amity students hold over 450 patents and 50 faculty members are Ramalingaswami Fellows who have returned to serve the country.

Recalling Dr B R Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the Minister reaffirmed the constitutional values of equality, social justice and opportunity for all. He described the current graduating batch as key stakeholders in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Referring to the Prime Minister's call for youth to enter public life, Goyal said politics needs committed and honest individuals and encouraged universities to expose students to governance through internships with elected representatives.

He also outlined the five guiding principles articulated by the Prime Minister for Viksit Bharat—developed India, freedom from colonial mindset, pride in heritage, unity in diversity and a sense of duty—urging students to internalise them in their lives.

Goyal praised the role of teachers and parents in shaping the graduates and advised students to stay connected with their alma mater and contribute meaningfully to India's progress.