Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
STRESSING on the responsibility of every citizen to make the nation a world leader again, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh during his address at a private university’s convocation in Gandhinagar on Thursday said “we have lagged behind in the last few centuries”.
“We were once the leader in the world. In the last few centuries, we have lagged behind, and if we have to do well again, it is people like you who matter, who are the future of this country,” Singh said in his convocation speech at Karnavati University.
He said, “All of us can serve the nation. We don’t have to be in some uniform. It is said every soldier is a citizen in uniform and every citizen is a soldier out of uniform. So all of us can give back to this nation. First, let’s live harmoniously within our family, within our neighbourhood, and of course, thereafter, the entire nation. There should be no social divides. Anything that divides us is not good. We all have the same blood flowing in our veins, all born from the same place, no one is big or small, there should not be any discrimination of religion or caste. Only then our nation can move forward and prosper.”
Singh urged the graduating students to enjoy whatever they are doing. “Unless you enjoy what you’re doing, you will never be able to achieve greater heights. Every work is very important. Just remember, we are all part of a big system. All of us have a job or a part to play. We are all alike, like bricks in a wall. All of us have to be strong enough. All of us have to do our duty to support that. This nation, this society, whatever we call it, it’s all made up of you and me. Give back to the society where you come from,” he said.
Singh said the real award is the journey and the process of undergoing this rigour of academic pursuit. “Whatever you do, if it comes from the heart, you’ll always enjoy it. To choose your profession, choose your field accordingly. Don’t just do it to earn money. Because I think money can be earned, but the real pleasure is that you will get to do a job that is almost your hobby.”
Singh also urged everyone to keep their parents’ teachings in mind. “Whatever you achieve in your life, wherever you go, just remember your roots. where you come from. Remember what teachings, what basics were taught to you by your parents, by your initial teachers. That should remain with you. You need to be a good human being before you can be anything else. Before you become a good professional, be a good human being. The values of compassion, empathy, honesty, integrity, selflessness, respectfulness, to values should always remain good. Stay humble. There is no shortcut to success,” he added.
Guest of Honour actor Saurabh Shukla highlighted the importance of intellectual courage and independent thinking in an era of rapid change, urging students to remain curious, compassionate and original in their pursuits.
Degrees and gold medals were awarded to 1,400 graduates from six schools.