Ms Vinita Bali, former Managing Director of Britannia Industries and a globally acclaimed leader in business and sustainability, delivered the convocation address that embodied Ahmedabad University's commitment to inspire students to apply their learning in service to the community. Drawing from her extensive experience across sectors and geographies, she shared words of wisdom with students of the Class of 2024, as they officially leave the precincts of the University to take their learnings into the real world.
Curiosity: The Fuel to Become Better Versions of Ourselves
Ms Bali emphasised the importance of curiosity, stating, "Do not give up your curiosity. It is with curiosity that new learning emerges, making us better versions of ourselves." Outlining her learnings from over four decades of professional experience spanning six countries across five continents and travel to nearly 75 countries in various roles, she pointed out that we live in an enjoyable time in the history of our planet's development, marked by significant material progress in recent decades, which has, however, also introduced new challenges.
She remarked that navigating these challenges will require more than just knowledge; it will demand compassion, empathy, understanding, the creation of new knowledge, and collaboration—qualities embodying the true value of education. She stressed that curiosity enriches life, keeping individuals engaged and interested, without which there is little one can accomplish.
The Distinction between Entitlement and Leadership
Stressing that leadership is the need of the hour, Ms Bali said, “Don’t confuse a title with leadership. Leadership is about behaviour and what you do. It is about responsibility and taking ownership of results.” A title, on the other hand, represents only entitlement. And one does not need to hold the title of Chief Executive Officer or President to demonstrate leadership. Hence, a title or entitlement does not necessarily make someone an effective leader.
Describing ‘leadership’ as a verb, signifying a ‘call to action’, Ms Bali highlighted that it is a quality defined by actions rather than words, setting individuals apart through their deeds. She urged the graduating class to harness their leadership qualities, emphasising that the impact of true leadership extends beyond a single lifetime, much like the legacy of leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, who has left his mark and his teachings across the entire world.
Don’t Settle for Mediocrity; Pursue Excellence
Ms Bali also asserted that students should start the next phase of their lives in whatever decisions they make, whether to become an entrepreneur or a professional or pursue higher studies, through a relentless pursuit of excellence and never settle for mediocrity despite being surrounded by too much of it. She cited the example from the convocation address by the famous international tennis player Roger Federer, where he talked about the fact that he played almost 1800 matches. Federer won 82 per cent of all the matches he played, but when it came to points he had won, it was something like 54 per cent. The point he was making, and he said this in his own words, is that ‘effortless’ is a myth. Building on this, Ms Bali said, "Nothing comes effortlessly to anybody, and that is where one touches excellence and perfection." She added that this is where students would differentiate themselves in their journey, bringing joy to both self and others.
Create the World You Want to Live in
Ms Bali also exhorted students to believe in a cause, an inequity they wish to address, and work on it passionately and approach it with joy. “When you are joyful,” she remarked, “others will see the impact of what you are doing and will begin to participate in that change,” she said.
Ms Bali asked the students to ponder over the question: What is the world we want to live in and what will be our role in this world? She advised them to identify and work towards achieving their cause with empathy and compassion, to bring joy, peace, and tranquillity to the world. She advocated the need for courage and strength of conviction to drive change. She further motivated the students to build meaningful relationships—not only with other people but also with the environment, reminding everyone of the interconnectedness of life and the responsibility to nurture both human and ecological bonds.
Making Ethical Choices
Finally, Ms Bali shared a thought-provoking message about the importance of making choices for the future. She remarked that while the future is present and yet to unfold, its course depends on today's decisions. Acknowledging the challenges and dilemmas ahead, she stressed the need to approach them with honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics. She observed, "Just because something is possible and can be done doesn't make it right. Similarly, having access to information does not mean we should use it irresponsibly." Stressing the importance of making the right choices, she called on the graduates to uphold their integrity, values, and sense of ethics and strive to do what is right—for themselves, the community, and the planet.
Vinita Bali implored students to take inspiration from Amelia Earhart's life, where she encouraged them to "live life in a world of horizons, not boundaries."
The 14th Annual Convocation at Ahmedabad University celebrated the academic achievements of 830 students, including 494 students from the Amrut Mody School of Management, 162 students from the School of Arts and Sciences, and 174 students from the School of Engineering and Applied Science. In addition, 659 undergraduates, 164 graduates, and seven doctoral students received their degrees in the presence of the University’s Governing Body and Board of Management members, faculty, alumni, staff, and all the proud families, friends, and loved ones of the graduates.