Stating that women constitute almost half of the country's population, the Chief Minister said the social impact of women's education is greater than that of men in society.
While development of society requires equal participation of women in every walk of socio-economic life, women's participation in higher education is below the desired level, he pointed out.
On Maa Rama Devi, Patnaik said she was an icon of women's empowerment in the state.
"I hope, Rama Devi Women's University will be able bring qualitative changes among its students, and gradually evolve as an institute that inspires the aspirations of women in Odisha," he said.
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The Chief Minister said the university was established with overall objective of increased participation of women in higher education and it will be an ideal institution that recognises and promotes gender equality.
"I hope the university will initiate studies on women's empowerment, women's rights, gender equality and studies that will create confidence and enable our young women for forward movement in society," he said.