The Vice President’s address at Mizoram University’s convocation ceremony wasn’t merely a celebratory speech; it served as a powerful and inspirational charge, urging graduates to embrace the future with a unique blend of confidence, resilience, and unwavering national pride.
The address commenced by acknowledging the momentous occasion of graduation, recognizing it as a culmination of academic efforts and a pivotal point marking the beginning of a new chapter brimming with possibilities. This celebration of milestones was coupled with a recognition of the significant progress made by India, highlighting the vastly different landscape graduates were stepping into compared to previous generations.
The Vice President emphasized the advantages enjoyed by graduates today, contrasting them with the challenges faced by previous generations. These advantages included:
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A Booming Economy: India’s economic transformation, transitioning from a “fragile five” nation to the world’s fifth largest economy, provided graduates with a secure and promising backdrop for their careers. This economic strength fostered stability and opened doors to a wider range of opportunities.
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A Supportive Ecosystem: The address highlighted the government’s proactive role in creating a supportive platform for young minds to thrive. This ecosystem was characterized by:
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Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Initiatives and policies were designed to encourage graduates to explore their entrepreneurial potential, fostering innovation and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. This focus on entrepreneurship aimed to empower graduates to be not just job seekers, but also job creators. The address also emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and risk-taking for driving economic growth and creating sustainable solutions for the future.
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Diverse Career Paths: Graduates were encouraged to look beyond traditional job structures and explore a multitude of fields. Specifically, the address drew attention to the immense potential of tourism in Mizoram, given its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. This encouraged graduates to think outside the box and consider career paths that aligned with their passions and the specific needs of their region. By highlighting the diverse career landscape, the Vice President aimed to empower graduates to make informed choices about their futures and pursue careers that were both fulfilling and impactful.
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Technological Advancements: India’s position at the forefront of cutting-edge technological advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and green hydrogen was emphasized. This positioned graduates to be at the centre of groundbreaking developments and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future. By highlighting these advancements, the address aimed to inspire graduates to embrace new technologies and prepare themselves for the jobs of tomorrow. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of developing critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape.
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The Vice President issued a powerful call to action, urging graduates to:
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Challenge the Status Quo: He encouraged them to break free from conventional career paths and explore their potential in diverse sectors, fostering a spirit of exploration and innovation. This included embracing the potential of startups and tourism specific to Mizoram’s strengths, urging them to leverage their skills and creativity to contribute to the development of the state. The address challenged graduates to be proactive in shaping their careers and not simply follow well-trodden paths. It also emphasized the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for navigating the complexities of the contemporary world.
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Embrace Challenges as Stepping Stones: The address emphasized viewing failures as learning opportunities and stepping stones to success. It emphasized the value of perseverance and resilience by citing the example of Chandrayaan-2’s eventual landing on the moon after an initial setback. This served as a potent reminder that failure is not the end but a crucial step to success. By sharing this anecdote, the Vice President encouraged graduates to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, fostering a growth mindset essential for navigating the uncertainties of the future. He also highlighted the importance of developing a strong work ethic, resilience, and the ability to learn from mistakes, all of which are crucial for achieving success in any field.
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Champion Diversity and Inclusion: The address celebrated the increasing participation of women in various sectors, including governance, and encouraged graduates to embrace diversity and contribute to building an inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This emphasis on diversity and inclusion underscored the importance of collaboration and the strength that comes from embracing different perspectives and experiences. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and tolerance for building a harmonious and inclusive society.
The Vice President instilled a sense of national pride in the graduates, reminding them of India’s remarkable economic and technological strides. He emphasized their responsibility to actively contribute to the nation’s continued growth and prosperity.
