New Delhi:<\/strong> President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday praised the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), saying it represents a mix of “inclusiveness, diversity, and excellence” and that Indianness is its legacy.<\/p>\n He addressed the fourth annual convocation of JNU through a video message stating that “Students from all parts of India and from all sections of society study at JNU in an atmosphere of equal opportunity for excellence. Students aspiring for a career path come together at JNU. The university represents a combination of inclusion, diversity, and excellence.’<\/p>\n He said that the JNU reflects all the colors of Indian culture, pointing to the names of buildings, hostels, streets, and facilities on the campus that are derived from Indian heritage. Kovind said, ‘It best represents the cultural and geographical picture of India. JNU is a legacy of Indianness and it is our duty to strengthen it.’<\/p>\n Referring to the outstanding faculty of JNU, the President said that it continues to encourage free debate and respect for differences in opinion. The President said in an official statement here that ‘students are considered as partners in learning, the behavior which should exist in higher education. The university is known for lively discussions, which take place outside classrooms, in cafeterias and dhabas<\/em> all the time.’<\/p>\n Speaking about the country’s glorious past of teaching and research in ancient times, the President said that JNU is one of the few institutions of higher learning that can reach globally comparable excellence in ancient India.<\/p>\n