Fourth Convocation Addressed by Hon’ble Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, 13th Vice- President of India

Fourth Convocation Addressed by Hon’ble Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, 13th Vice- President of India

I feel pleased to be amidst all of you today. This is indeed a very special occasion when our young students find themselves poised on the cusp of a major transition in life.

A convocation is a momentous milestone in the life of an individual—all of you are ready to step out into the world and face it on your terms. You have the competence to deal with the challenges that will come your way because of the confidence you have in your abilities based on the education that has been imparted to you.

This is where you owe an immense debt to your Gurus. Your Gurus have equipped you with knowledge and education which will shape your careers and lives. Our wise rishis said many ages ago: विद्याधनं सिव धनं प्रधानम् (విద్యా ధనం సర్వ ధనం ప్రద్యనం) Knowledge is the supreme wealth.

Friends,
This event is even more special because Asian School of Business Management, the parent institute of ASBM University, was inaugurated by my illustrious predecessor Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, former Vice-President of India in 2006. Another added feature which I feel is an honour to me is that the last convocation of this university was graced by Hon’ble former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji.

My dear students,
Today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the extraordinary vision and dedication of the founder, Prof. Biswajeet Pattanayak. It is a widely recognised fact that his leadership transformed the Asian School of Business Management and shaped it from concept to reality in an astonishing six months, a feat lauded by Business India as creating a “World-Class Business School in 180 Days.” It was under his stewardship that this institution evolved into a full-fledged state private university in just thirteen years—a testament to his unwavering commitment, meticulous planning, and passion for education.

Prof. Pattanayak, an esteemed academician with a distinguished background, has given us a citadel of learning that embodies excellence and innovation. His vision has been pivotal in positioning ASBM University as a cornerstone of education in Odisha. I am happy to learn that ASBM University is engaged in imparting holistic education with a futuristic focus to prepare our youth to face global competition and challenges.

You are fortunate to have received quality education and are successfully graduating today. Remember that for many of your peers, graduating from a university is still a dream. I, therefore, urge you to put your education to the best use by participating in nation-building and in shaping India into a world leader. All of you are also aware of the fact that your future is directly connected with the future of our great nation.

Your education has opened up a world of opportunities for you. Whatever you choose to do in the future, you must continue to learn at every stage of life.
Remember, learning is a life-long process and is not limited to books alone. You are now stepping into the university that will impart to you the most critical lessons you will learn—the university of life.

As all of you are aware, education holds the key to national development. This fact assumes added significance in India, the fifth largest economy in the world, where over 50% of the population is below 30 years of age and more than 65% of the population is under 35 years of age. India is seen as the future talent factory of the world with the largest pool of human resources. Today, as you know, we are becoming increasingly self-reliant or Atmanirbhar in a number of sectors including many frontier disciplines. This naturally means that our vibrant reserve of human resources gives us a qualitative edge in multiple domains.

It is with the aim of revolutionizing education, that the Government of India unveiled the visionary document, National Education Policy-2020. As you can see, NEP 2020 is bringing about a major transformation in the world of education through a multi-pronged approach. With its emphasis on education in one’s mother tongue, NEP has completely altered the educational landscape giving it a positive direction.

Dear students,
Be passionate about your work and approach your goal with a sense of purpose. Make it a mission to attain your goals in life. You have chosen your fields based on your interest, aptitude, talent and aspirations. Pursue them with enthusiasm, dedication, and excellence. Use your knowledge and skills for the greater good of humanity. Uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and respect in everything you do.

On your road to success do not forget your Motherland. As citizens of this great country, we are all aware of our fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. But how many of us are conscious of our fundamental duties as citizens? No right can thrive without responsibilities. As Swami Vivekananda said, “We want that education, by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one’s on feet”. I hope you will prove yourselves to be truly educated by following his message.

Be proud of your achievements, but also be humble and grateful and learn to give back to society and help the underprivileged. It is for this reason that I always stress upon the need to fully democratize education. It is my firm conviction that quality education must become accessible and affordable to all, especially the rural poor.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, take up a sports activity, yoga, game or form of exercise, as also meditation. It is important to remember that a healthy mind dwells in a physically fit, healthy body. Your diet is equally important. Choose from a wide range of options from Indian cuisine and avoid fast food, which we often refer to as junk food.

Dear students,
In conclusion, I am certain that all of you have a promising future and will lead successful lives and build your careers with devotion and discipline. However, remember to contribute to building an equitable and prosperous Bharat.

I wish all of you the very best in your future endeavours.

Jai Hind!