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I am happy to be here in your midst on the occasion of the 118 th Founders' Day celebrations of this renowned educational institution. Over the years this unique institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the personalities of students who have made a distinct mark in various fields and are spread round the globe. The sylvan ambience with its pollution free environment is a boon to the children. Truly, the surroundings are captivating. Way back in late forties, my younger brother spent one year at this school and I distinctly recall visiting him three to four times during that period. We also owe some debt of gratitude to this institution. It is heart warming to note that at this great institution, which has a legacy of rich tradition, a sincere and dedicated effort is being made to provide broad based education to our children. Great emphasis is laid on the all round development of their personalities so that they are able to face the challenges of life with great confidence and cool. I indeed feel proud that my state of Uttaranchal has yet another good educational institution which imparts value based education to as many as 540 boys and girls from all over the country. The teaching faculty at the school deserves a special pat on their back for bringing the rare honour to this school of being able to create a spirit of truth, compassion, caring, love and efficiency in every Oakgrovian. By all accounts, your school has had another wonderful year filled with many memorable events and laurels and for this I congratulate your wonderful faculty who has taken immense pains to fashion your talents and enthusiasm into solid achievements. In a large measure your teachers are the ones who will shape your future and one could never express enough gratitude for their contribution. While paying tribute to the faculty, I feel a sense of joy because my own daughter and son-in-law are teachers and they simply love teaching. However, I would be greatly remiss in my duties if I left it at that. As I understand, a good guest must only show graciousness and gratitude, but must also be prepared to share something that may help you become more than what you are. And therefore, for a few minutes I would request you all to indulge me as I share a few thoughts with you. The first thing that needs to be learnt is that we must always begin with our strengths. From the earliest years of our schooling, everyone focuses on what is wrong with us. While it is important for us to know what we not good at, we must also cherish what is good in us. That is because it is only our strengths that can give us the energy to correct our weaknesses. The second lesson needs to be learnt is never give up in face of adversity. It comes on you suddenly without warning. One can either succumb to self-pity, ring one's hands in despair or decide to deal with the situation with courage and dignity. Always keep in mind that it is only the test of fire that makes fine steel. If we persevere long enough, we can put any problem into its perspective. Another lesson you need to learn is that while you must be open to change, do not compromise on your values. Gandhiji often said that you must open the windows of your mind, but you must not be swept off your feet by the breeze. You must define what your core values are and what you stand for. And these values are not so difficult to define. Values like honesty, integrity, consideration for others and humility have survived for generations. Values are not in the words used to describe them as much as in the simple acts. At the end of the day, it is values that define a person more than his or her achievements. Do not be tempted by short cuts. The short cut can make you lose your way and end up becoming the longest way to the destination. Yet another lesson we need to learn is no one bats a hundred every time. Life has many challenges. You win some and lose some. You must enjoy winning. But do not let it go to the head. The moment it does, you are already on your way to failure. And if you do encounter failure along the way, treat it as an equally natural phenomenon. Don't beat yourself for it or any one else for that matter! Accept it, look at your own share in the problem, learn from it and move on. The important thing is, when you lose, do not lose the lesson. Before I conclude I would like to share something with the parents present here. It is just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than our family. An unwise investment indeed! Standing here before you I see the future of India and looking at your shining faces I believe it is a bright and radiant future. I see future doctors, future lawyers, some of you may become corporate hotshots, still others may make it big in the media or in the world of glamour and fashion. Whatever you do I am sure you will achieve success and in doing so being further glory to your school. However, whatever you do, whatever inspires you, do make sure it also helps to create a better world and a better, fairer and safer India for your less fortunate brothers and sisters. That is my prayer and blessing to you on this important day. God bless you all.
HIS EXCELLENCY Mr. SUDARSHAN AGARWAL |
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