The campus of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) had a golden sheen on Saturday evening as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presided as the chief guest at the 46th convocation of the institute.
The campus of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) had a golden sheen on Saturday evening as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presided as the chief guest at the 46th convocation of the institute.
It was a glorious moment for the parents and relatives of the graduating students who watched their wards being awarded the prestigious IIM-A diplomas. And as IIMA director Prof Samir Barua pointed out, the 'magic in the air' at Louis Kahn Plaza was palpable to the students too.
The lawns of the historic Louis Kahn Plaza were packed with parents and relatives in their fineries, unbridled pride brimming in their eyes. On a balmy evening, amidst extremely tight security, Singh delivered the convocation address to a rapt audience which included eager youths on the threshold of a new life.
A total of 316 students of PGP, 86 of PGPX, 13 of the fellowship programme in management, 37 of agri-business management and four students of PGP in public policy management were awarded diplomas. Chief minister Narendra Modi, Governor Dr Kamala Beniwal, IIMA chairman Vijaypat Singhania and director Samir Barua were among the audience which listened attentively to the prime minister.
Singh mainly sought to engage the industry and corporate sector in the nation-building process.
"As you go ahead, I hope your decision will be shaped not only by the outstanding education and training that you have received here, but also by the values that define our society and the ideals on which our nation is founded - democracy, debate and openness; the timeless embrace of pluralism and the celebration of diversity, the rule of law; the commitment to social and economic equity and justice and the high value that we attach to enterprise," he said as he concluded his address. During his speech, he talked about his first visit to the institute in 1994, the economic reforms that had taken place since then, the country's economic needs today and the notion that the business of business is not only business itself, but also the concept of 'shared value'.
"The greatest strength of India is our spirit of 'can-do'. There is no better training ground for Indian managers than India itself. If you can succeed in India, you can succeed anywhere in the world," he said.
Chief minister Narendra Modi in his speech also urged the youths to participate more in the policy formation process of the country. "Youths are our treasure and our strength; the country's future depends on them," he said.
Highlighting the need for more opportunities for higher education, Modi said only 11% of the people in India have access to higher education, as compared to the global average of 55%, and 22% in other Asian countries. With his speech marked by the characteristic pauses for applause, Modi showcased the Vibrant Gujarat business summits as oriented more towards knowledge gathering, than financial investment.
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