SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AMRITSAR (FSSTYN PALAIS) ON APRIL 6, 2024 AT 11.00 AM.

SPEECH ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AMRITSAR ON APRIL 6, 2024.

 It is a pleasant privilege to address the graduating class of 2024 at the Indian Institute of Management, Amritsar.

 I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Chairman, governing body members, director, distinguished faculty, staff,  proud parents, and, most importantly, the graduating MBA students.

 ]Two years of hard work, dedication, and determination has brought you to this significant milestone in your lives.

 Today, we recognize and celebrate your achievements, and we look forward with anticipation to the remarkable contributions that you will make to the business world and society at large.

 As  you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought you to this point.

 Each one of you has embarked on a unique journey, faced numerous challenges, and overcome obstacles to reach this stage.  So, today we celebrate not only your academic achievements but also the resilience and determination that have propelled you forward.

 As you embark on the new chapter of your lives, don’t forget the support and guidance you received along the way.  Your families, friends, and mentors – thank them for believing in you encouraging you and standing by you through thick and thin. Be forever grateful for their unwavering support and encouragement.

Dear young friends,

 The education you have received at IIM Amritsar has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and insights necessary to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of business.

 From finance to marketing, from operations to strategy, you have gained a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices that drive success in the corporate world.

 But beyond the technical aspects of business, I hope you have also embraced the values and ethics that are the spirit of our country.

 Integrity, honesty, and social responsibility are not just words – they are the guiding principles that should be the precursor to every decision you make and every action you take as future leaders and decision-makers.

 My young friends gathered here, you are not merely the makers of your own destiny but of our country and on a wider canvas, the entire world.

 As we live in an interconnected world. You will soon be globe trotters as professionals. However, in this pursuit, I say at the cost of repetition, never forget the spirit and ethics of our country.

 You would be the emissaries of Indian culture and wisdom around the world and your performance would be the standard set for the entire country.

Friends,

 The glass of modern India is now more than half full. We are the fifth largest economy today. We are a thriving and well functioning democracy. We have scaled the moon and now our eyes are set on the sun. We are the growth story that astonishes and inspires the world.

 We also need to be cautious and not be complacent. The world today faces profound challenges, whether it be the very real existential crisis of climate change or the more abstract moral challenge of deteriorating value system.

 For those of you who are going to be the future wealth creators and managers, I will insist that you must imbibe Mahatma Gandhi’s lessons of life which are not inconsistent with the ethics of business. Without ethics, success was sinful for Gandhiji. According to Gandhiji, some of such sins are:

Wealth without work

Pleasure without conscience

Knowledge without character

Business without ethics.

 Your role as future managers must extend beyond mere profit-making .  It is imperative that your outlook transcends traditional metrics of success to encompass broader considerations of sustainable development and societal impact.

 You must strive to create businesses that not only generate wealth but also uplift communities, protect the environment, and promote social justice.

 Whether you choose to pursue careers in the private sector, the public sector, or the nonprofit sector, I  urge you to approach your work with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference.

 As you embark on your professional journey, remember that success is not just about personal achievement – it is about lifting others up and creating opportunities for those who come after you.

 Whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or advocacy, find ways to use your talents and resources to empower others and drive positive change in your communities and beyond.

 As you step into the professional world, you must remember that the potential for learning is never exhausted, Education is a life long process.

 The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and the skills and knowledge that served you well yesterday may not be sufficient for the challenges of tomorrow. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and never stop seeking new opportunities to expand your horizons and broaden your perspectives.

 In closing, I want to once again congratulate the graduating class of 2024.

Young friends,

 Dare to dream big, to challenge the status quo, and to make our mark on the world.

 Don’t complain about the world you inherited but do leave behind a world where future generations have nothing to complain about and where they can live and harmony, optimism, prosperity and equality.

 I wish all of you good luck in your endeavours and the management and faculty of IIM, every success in the years to come.

Thank you,

Jai Hind.