Bucharest: The enduring bond between the people of India and Romania remains the strongest pillar of bilateral relations, President Droupadi Murmu said while addressing members of the Indian community and ‘Friends of India’ in Bucharest on the concluding day of her State Visit to Romania.

Lauding the Indian diaspora for its role in nurturing cultural ties, President Murmu urged community members to remain active partners in India’s developmental journey. She praised their contributions to Romania’s economy and society, noting that their efforts to promote Indian culture and values had made them true ambassadors of India.

“I am delighted to see that the Indian diaspora community is united in keeping India’s cultural heritage vibrant in Romania. Your contributions to Romania’s economy and society, as well as your efforts in promoting Indian culture and values here, make you a true representative of India,” the President said.

Earlier, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies conferred upon President Murmu its Honorary Doctorate, recognising her contributions to academia, public service and international cooperation. Accepting the distinction, she described it as a tribute to the enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Romania.

She encouraged the university and other Romanian educational institutions to deepen collaboration through joint research initiatives, faculty partnerships and student exchange programmes.

Describing education as the “single-most transformative force” in her life, President Murmu reflected on her own journey from a small village to the highest constitutional office in India. She said education remains the great equaliser, capable of transforming both individuals and societies.

Recalling her humble beginnings, she said being the first girl from her village to attend college had taught her that education transcends social and economic barriers, rewarding determination above circumstance.

President Murmu arrived in Bucharest on Thursday on the final leg of her three-nation tour, further reinforcing India’s diplomatic engagement with Eastern Europe.