Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the nation to bring about change in the life of the needy by taking small actions in everyday life.
"A small thing will leave a deep impact, and this is what brings about change. We should ponder on how we can bring about change in our everyday lives," the Prime Minister said, while addressing the 42nd convocation ceremony at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here.
Giving an example of how such a change could be brought about, Prime Minister Modi said, "Our shastras tell us that the first convocation took place during the times of the Taittiriya Upanishad, during the Ved Kaal. That tradition, though in a new avatar, is still alive. I wonder if it is possible that poor and unprivileged children, from class 8 or 9, are invited as special guests for such a convocation."
"The eyes and minds of the children will be opened to a world that they never knew existed, something that perhaps their teachers could never impart to them. This will help the children dream," he added.
Speaking of his own experiences as a student, Prime Minister Modi said, "I was never a good student, nor did I ever receive an award like you. I do know that in the week leading up to the exams, a student is always nervous and serious. I urge you to be serious in your profession, but not let seriousness slip into your lives. Spend your life in joy, and even the most perilous times in your life will pass in bliss."
Prime Minister Modi also urged the assembled to never give up their thirst for learning.
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"Today, you are leaving an institute that has kept you in a protected environment. There were many avenues where your difficulties and doubts could be cleared. Now, you are entering a world where nobody can help you. You are leaving a sheltered space. If you feel that for you, this is the start of a new era where studies cease to exist, then you might stall," he said.
"However, if you treat it like leaving the classroom here and entering the classroom of the world, then no one can stop you from succeeding. Only he, whose inner student is still alive and thirsty for knowledge, will be successful in life," Prime Minister Modi added.
During the convocation ceremony, the Prime Minister also presented lifetime achievement awards to eminent professionals in the field of medical science, and medals and prizes to meritorious students.