Convocation address at Universal Group of Colleges

My dear friend Aaditya Lohana invited me to preside over the convocation of Graduate and post Graduate students of the group of 5 colleges that he mentors. Even though the occasion fell on our wedding anniversary, Smita sportingly agreed to accompany me. The event had the chaotic energy of youth and the desperate orderliness of experience all enmeshed into a packed hall. I chose to shorten my talk to the students, sensing their restlessness and eagerness to cut to the case. Here goes:

Good Afternoon Everyone!
An interesting thing happened to me when Aaditya called me and invited me to this ceremony. I went back to my convocation, 16 years back at IIM Ahmedabad. I remember where it took place, I remember that my parents had come for the occasion, I remember meeting some of my friends’ parents. I even remember that I was wearing the convocation robes. Beyond that I do not remember anything.
Nothing. I do not remember who gave me my degree. I do not remember who the Main Speaker was, let alone remembering what he said.

So as I stand today here in front of you, I wonder: What can I say that can make a difference in your life, so that 16 years later, you remember me?

Over the last 16 years, I have had the opportunity to interview more than 500 people as CEO of Zee Learn Limited and Managing Director at Leadership Boulevard. And I have noticed 2 things while meeting these eager young people. One, while most have good degrees, degrees do not assure knowledge. Second, while a lot of young people intend to do well, they have not learnt the skills required to lead their life effectively.

So, I want to leave you with 2 things. Just 2 things that I believe, if you imbibe in your life, nothing will come between you and success, whichever way you define success.

First, your learning does not end with getting a degree. In fact, it starts with it. Because your degree gives you the license to go learn from the biggest teacher of all - LIFE. Those of you who will always focus on learning from a situation will continue to grow and lead a happy, successful life. Those who'll focus on how they look in a situation and focus on proving how good they are, will soon find out that when learning stops, growth stops. So my first mantra to you is: Never stop learning. As long as you are alive - for the next 30, 40, 50 years, keep learning and growing.

Second, the answers you get in life depend on the questions you ask. In any situation, always ask what you can do, instead of asking who is to blame or why did this happen to me. Asking 'what I can do', leads to action and action moves you forward. Asking 'who is to blame' leads to people getting defensive and you going on witch hunts - neither moves you forward. Whether it is your country, your company or your family - always focus on what you can do, instead of blaming or pointing fingers.

Dear Students - Today is a great day for you. Let your hair down, celebrate, have fun - you've earned it!

And as you adopt these 2 mindsets, there is nothing that can come in the way of you leading a successful life. And hopefully, 16 years later, you’ll remember this day and you’ll remember me.

Thank you smile emoticon