Transcript of the Convocation Speech given by Jayant Patil saheb at the first Convocation at Rajarambapu Institute of technology. (WELCOMING ALL) Good Morning It’s an honor and a privilege to welcome you to the colleges first convocation. It is a matter of pride to be here in this August Gathering, for sharing my views in the gracious presence of the Icon of Indian Industry, Padma Bhooshan Shree Ratan Tata, eminent educationalists including Respected Vice-chancellor of Shivaji University, the Chairman and my esteemed associates in the Board of Governors, esteemed members of Academic Council of this Institute, the President, the Trustees and the Secretary of K.E. Society, University Officials, Industrialists, all office-bearers of the Rajarambapu Group of Industries, the leaders in education in the vicinity, the Director, Deans and Professors of this Institute and of course the young Post-graduates in technology, management along-with their parents. Today is a day of recognition as we acknowledge the success and achievement of this year’s graduating class; success that has come through personal sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication. To the Graduates; I hope that today will be an occasion that you remember fondly for the rest of your lives. (BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF R TATA) Its a rare privilege to have a person of Shiri Ratan Tatas stature with us today. In 1991, JRD Tata stepped down as the chairman of Tata Industries and named Ratan Tata as his successor. Under Ratanjis stewardship, Tata Tea acquired Tetley, Tata motors acquired Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Steel acquired Corus. These triumphs turned Tata from a large India-centric company into a global business with 65% revenues from out of India.I am sure all of you are conversant with his achievements in the industrial field where during his tenure, the group’s revenues grew manifold, totalling over 100 Billion US $ in 2011-12 , but what sets him apart from others is the social commitment which is experienced by every person working in the Tata Group and also by Indian society at large. All of you are indeed fortunate that as you step out into the world to chart your destiny , you do so with his blessings.I am aware of what pains your parents must have taken to put you through college and I share their pride in seeing you take your degrees at the hands of Shri Ratanji. This is a good omen. (FLASHBACK ON KES HISTORY) This Educational Society was the brain child of my father , Shri Rajarambapu Patil- a rare visionary and a person who understood the true meaning of social responsibility. I am sure he must be looking down with satisfaction at the giant strides this Society has taken in the last few decades. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ At this juncture I must mention that today ,our Education Society is making education available across a wide spectrum. We have 3 schools in the Tribal belt of Thane district to cater to the educational needs of tribal children and we also have an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Mumbai. We can proudly state that we provide excellent educational facilities with equal dedication to a cross section of society, from the poorest to the affluent across the state of Maharashtra On this momentous occasion , it is my responsibility to remember the founders of this Educational Society and this Institute, past Principals and Professors, all of whom are not amongst us today, but have put in their fullest efforts in establishing the Educational Society, and in nurturing this Institute. In precisely three decades, an engineering college established here with many apprehensions, is celebrating the 1st Graduation Ceremony of its ten PG Programmes in Technology and a PG Programme in Management in the status of an Autonomous Institute! I take this opportunity to congratulate the faculty and the graduates of this Institute on this golden moment in the history of Institute. (CHANGES IN TECH EDUCATION vis a vis INDUSTRY NEEDS) There has been a paradigm shift in the field of technical education and in the needs of the new industries .Various surveys undertaken by well-acclaimed research agencies reveal that the employability of engineering graduates in India is a matter of serious concern. The Indian Economy is undergoing a crisis for various reasons; the analysis of which is not within the scope of this function however, one issue stands unchanged; the shortage of human resources with pre-defined skills-set suited to the needs of the Industry. (ADAPTING CURRICULA TO INDUSTRIAL DEMAND- RIT CAN LEAD) I feel, the educational institutes should be keeping pace with the revolutionary multi disciplinary approach in the field of education.In this age of merging of educational disciplines, we should bring about the necessary changes in our educational objectives and curriculum, which would promote this approach. This is the need of time and this is the new revolution which the educational world should initiate. For these kind of initiatives, the autonomous institutes should take the lead and I am sure that RIT has enough potential to be on the forefront. (ADVICE AND GUIDANCE TO GRADUATES) To all of you , who will be stepping out into the work arena ,I would like to say- read more and more biographies of great people and get introduced to their thought-processes; understand what led to their dreams, how they conquered the hurdles in the way, their powerful will and their motivation. The world out there is vast and opportunities are unlimited. Your future lies before you like an empty canvas which you have to fill with the colours of work satisfaction, happiness and success. There is no magic mantra to achieve what you aim for. Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice, heart and intuition.” 1) Its important that you join a company or organisation that is well suited to make the best of your qualification 2) Do more work than is expected from you. 3) Dont overanalyse a situation. 4) Never stop learning 5) Dream outside of the box which in other words just means be original and dare to dream of things which are path breaking. All those successful careers that we see, are of people who challenged the accepted norms of thinking and charted a new path. Learn from their examples. 6) and last but not the least- always act according to the dictates of you conscience. Your inner voice will always be your best guide. Technological advances have made the world a smaller and more accessible place. Communication has never been easier! Information is available at your finger tips. I had read somewhere that Ratanji had said that a single minute may not change your life but proper utilisation of every minute will certainly change it for the better. A good mantra to follow for everyone (COOPERATIVE MODEL) This belt that we come from has seen many stalwarts in various fields whose vision led to the economic advancement of the region . The Co operative model on which industries like sugar processing, textile manufacturing etc work sets an example which is studied round the world. I am sure that with the vast exposure to happenings around the world, there will be many among you who must be brimming with new ideas. After testing them on the touchstone of practicality do try to make them a reality. (REMAIN SENSITIVE TO LESS FORTUNATE) And once you have reached a certain position in your career please choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; choose to identify not only with the powerful, but with the powerless; retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages. When you can do this, it will not only be your proud families and our college who will celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped change. We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better. (FINALE-THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER) I thank you all for listening to me so patiently and in concluding , I wish our Graduates , bright and self satisfying careers and urge you to Fly high on the strong wings of dreams and focused hard work. The world is your oyster..... Thank you.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 13:07:07 +0000