Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Graduation address

“BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE”

My beloved Graduating students,


Giving thanks to God Almighty, offering salutations to your Alma Mater, for everything you have received and for all that you have been benefitted should be foremost as you step out of the portals of this hallowed institution. That is the culture of every Siddaganga student.

You have passed the stage of the infant and the whining school boys and girls you have studied long and hard and on the threshold of your Graduation.

Our theme for this address “BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE”


At Siddaganga school, your education is incomplete if you cannot “Be all that you can be” I firmly believe we have not failed in our mission.


‘Be all that you can be” is a positive attitude that strives to maximise human potential.

BE YOURSELF

BE DILIGENT & HARDWORKING

BE INNOVATIVE

BELIEVE IN GOD & BE FAITHFUL

SEEK WISDOM FROM ABOVE

I. BE YOURSELF

An oak seed is an oak tree in the making, it cannot be a peepal or a Banyan tree. Each tree has its own special characteristics. Just like that God shaped each one of you. You are your own best resource.

As you step outside and lead your journey of life, everything may not be a bed of roses, you may not be always walking on smooth surfaces. There will be difficult times. To overcome such days, live a more balanced life. Plan your life around your priorities. Plan towards success to have expertise knowledge in your chosen field.


II. BE DILIGENT & HARDWORKING

Let me illustrate the stories behind great men and their successes.

Michael Phelps practiced 2 hours each day in the swimming pool before going to school. The reason for success is not just talent – but also determination and hard work. Utilize God’s potential.

Also remember failures are stepping stones to success.

Let me share a great man’s life history with you.

This great man failed in business at the age of 21, was defeated in a legislative election when he was 22, had a nervous breakdown at the age of 26, lost the congressional race at 34, the senator election act 45 and failed to become the Vice president at 49. Finally he was elected president of the United States of America at the age of 52.


DO YOU KNOW WHO THE GREAT MAN IS?

Its Abraham Lincoln


III. BE INNOVATIVE.

In the 70’s the game of cricket was going through bad times. People were losing interest in the game. Players got very little money. One innovative person with his innovative thinking changed the very essence of the game.

Kerry Packer, a businessman from Australia revolutionized the game of cricket by introducing various changes. White cloths turned to maroon, blue, yellow, green etc., Red to white balls, five day test matches to one day internationals.

Day matches to Day – night matches.

That is innovation. That is leadership. Each one of you here is capable of doing something like that.

Henry Ford of the Ford corporation which makes cars, Steven Jobs, head of Apple computers all thought they could change the world, and they did!

Unlimit your imagination. Dare to dream. Till recently who ever thought that man would walk in space or connect the earth through internet?

It all began with a dream.


IV. BELIEVE IN GOD AND BE FAITHFUL

A dear friend of mine sent an SMS which is very meaningful to me. It reads like this

Only God can turn

A mess into a message

A test into a testimony

A trial into a triumph

A victim into a victor

And that is the power of God Almighty. God has a plan for you and in his time it will come,
be patient and wait for it.

And finally, the Graduating students of 10th and II PUC, you are the young men and women of tomorrow, who are equipped with the best of knowledge from this prestigious institution.

It is now you prepare yourself to face the world outside. Each one of you is so special, you have had the best times under the able leadership of Mr. Shivanna, Mrs. Justin D’souza and other members of the Siddaganga parivar. So wherever you go, you shall be identified as the “Pearls of Siddaganga”.

Do not get distracted, but march straight on to the honour of your school and the greater glory of mankind.

SIDDAGANGA ROCKS!!


Thank you.

-Denzy Lawrence

Bapuji Dental College & Hospital

(also a siddaganga admirer!)