Boosting the moral of graduating students at the eighth Convocation Ceremony of St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi on Tuesday, eminent Hindi novelist and recipient of Padma Shri, Narendra Kohli not just asked students to achieve their goals but also said that every individual has a distinct identity and one must listen to one’s heart while selecting a profession.
Despite social constraints and with little support at an early stage, Kohli lived his dream, setting example for the others who step back from reaching their goals due to social constraints. Kohli, motivating the young minds, insisted upon creating an identity that is distinct from others. “I cannot become Sachin Tendulkar and Tendulkar cannot become Narendra Kohli. Try to shape your destiny with your passion and not under the influence of societal pressure,” he said.
The writer, who is credited with reinventing the ancient form of epic writing in modern style and is regarded as a trend-setter in the creation of literary works based on the ‘Puranas’, while addressing the students as the Chief Guest on the occasion, added, “Despite being a good student, I chose a career in literature that influenced me the most. It gives me immense satisfaction. I am happy that I am not juggling inside. My heart is contented.”
Sharing some old memories with the students, faculty members and other dignitaries who shared the dais with him during the ceremony, Kohli narrated his love for the city, Dr. Camille Bulcke influence in his life and in literacy works including his association with Ranchi University (RU).
Not just the Chief Guest but RU VC, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Pandey who addressed the gathering as the Distinguished Guest too emphasized on the fact that one must believe in themselves to achieve the desired goals. Citing different examples on failure is the stepping stone success, RU VC said that learning process must be continued and innovative measures must be adopted to enhance the skills, besides venturing into new endeavors.
The students of 2012-2015 Undergraduate courses (UG), Post Graduate (PG) courses 2013-2015 including vocational subjects received their degrees. As many as 1,893 degree certificates were distributed among the pass out students. Beating their male counterparts, 29 girls from diverse streams clinched gold medals. Total 32 students were felicitated with the gold medals for their commendable academic performance.
With the aim to start a fresh life ahead and getting involved in various endeavours, the campus was abuzz with the smiling faces of the students waiting eagerly for getting their degrees. Esteeming the golden moment all these graduating students dressed in black convocation gowns and colourful scarves after the eighth graduation ceremony expressed gratitude towards the college administration for shaping their futures and giving them a correct direction.
Faculty members seemed too excited on the achievement of their students and wished them all the luck for their future including all their projects that may not just add on to the accomplishments of particular candidates but may also raise the standard of the institute upholding its values.