The day before yesterday was the 19th Convocation of Symbiosis International University. I have been a part of every convocation since the last 19 years. The number of students getting their degrees has been expanding but the hope and satisfaction on their faces when they receive their degrees has remained the same for the last 19 years!
What does a Convocation mean to us? Is it the end of the academic career and their entry into the outside world? Is it a certification of the knowledge that they have gained or is it much more than all this? When I ponder over this, I believe that the Convocation is a culmination of a lot of things.
What does a student feel when he walks into the convocation hall? Does he feel pride on seeing his journey of hard work come to an end? Does he feel anxious at having to leave the University portals? Does he feel sad for having to part with his friends? Maybe all of these and many more emotions. Therefore, the convocation becomes the most memorable day for every student who attends it and it is etched in their memory forever. At Symbiosis our endeavour is to ensure that these memories are cherished by the student for his whole life. We have been fortunate to have eminent personalities as Chief guests for the Convocation every year.
The 19th convocation too became a memorable affair as none other than the Finance Minister of the country, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman was invited as the Chief Guest. She is an idol for many of us. Someone who is so humble even though she is at such a top position.
On the 10th December 2022, 8000+ students received degrees from the University. The Chief Guest Nirmala ji in her speech talked about the transformations that have taken place over the decades, whether it is the mobile phone or the digitization of money. Similarly, education too has undergone immense change over the decades. While earlier a quiet classroom was considered to be a good classroom, nowadays a classroom where questions are encouraged and students speak their minds, is considered to be a good classroom. As Nirmala Ji said “intelligence is adapting to change.” She rightly pointed out that just gaining knowledge is not enough, one must be judicious in the use of knowledge too. Her words motivated the students and I am sure that as they set foot into the world they will put their knowledge to good use.
The Founder of Symbiosis Dr. S. B. Mujumdar had had the vision and foresight 50 years ago that the world is one family and he made Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Symbiosis’ motto. Today, I feel especially elated to see that India while gaining the Presidency of the G20 Summit, has also chosen to follow the motto of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. While the world is facing tumultuous times in several regions, it becomes even more important to embrace universal brotherhood and realize that we are but one family. I am hopeful that not only the students of Symbiosis but the youth of the world will understand the futility of divide and come together to celebrate the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’