Chairman of IRMA, Dr. Meenesh Shah ji, Director Dr. Umakant Dash ji, esteemed members of the IRMA Society and Board of Governors, distinguished guests, proud parents, and the graduating participants,
Namaskar!
It is a privilege to be present once again at this esteemed institution, participating in this momentous convocation ceremony. Visiting Anand, and particularly the IRMA campus, fills me with immense energy and enthusiasm. This region, home to IRMA, AMUL, and NDDB, holds a special place in my heart, given my deep-rooted connection to the farming community. As a farmer’s son, I firmly believe that much remains to be done to uplift our agricultural sector and support those who work tirelessly to provide us with sustenance. Agriculture is the foundation of our society, and ensuring its sustainability is crucial for the well-being of our nation.
My passion for rural development is longstanding. In 2002, when the late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji invited me to join the government, I expressed my keen interest in serving the agricultural and rural development sectors. Though the Agriculture portfolio was already assigned, I was entrusted with Rural Development—a responsibility I accepted with great enthusiasm. Under the visionary leadership of Atal ji, significant initiatives such as the Swarna Chaturbhuj Yojana (Golden Quadrilateral) were launched, revolutionizing connectivity through highways, ports, and digital infrastructure. His ability to unite diverse political factions and drive national development remains an inspiration to us all.
Today, we gather to celebrate the culmination of your academic journey—years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. As you step into the world, remember that each of you is a nation-builder in your own right. Treat your work as a mission, not just a profession. With 56-60% of our population residing in rural areas and relying on agriculture and allied activities such as dairy, fisheries, and sericulture, we must drive innovation, sustainability, and profitability in these sectors. Agriculture faces multifaceted challenges—climate change, market volatility, and technological gaps—but with passion and commitment, we can overcome these hurdles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the agricultural sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, proving its indispensable role in the country’s economy. As future rural managers and leaders, your role is to bring forth new ideas and innovations that will make agriculture more profitable and sustainable, ensuring the welfare of millions of farmers across the nation.
My last visit to IRMA was for its 40th Foundation Day celebrations in 2019. I am pleased to witness IRMA’s continued progress in nurturing rural managers and leaders of tomorrow. As we commemorate this occasion, we must acknowledge the visionary leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, whose contributions to the rural sector transformed the dairy industry and established this prestigious institution. IRMA has upheld his vision by producing highly skilled professionals, not only for institutions nurtured by Dr. Kurien but also for diverse organizations across the country.
I am also delighted to learn that NDDB is promoting a National Cooperative University, an initiative that will further strengthen cooperative institutions and rural enterprises. IRMA, with its rich legacy of nearly 45 years, has not only imparted technical knowledge but also instilled a deep sense of social responsibility among its students. Moving forward, the institute must continue fostering ethical leadership and a strong value system.
Dear young graduates, in today’s world, ethical values are declining across various domains—including politics, academics, and social life. We must rebuild and uphold the ideals of great leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who dedicated their lives to national service. True success is not merely measured by professional achievements but by one’s commitment to ethics, integrity, and service to society. Living with honesty and values makes an individual truly valuable to the community.
IRMA has always championed sustainable development and inclusive growth. Bridging the urban-rural divide and empowering rural communities are essential for holistic national progress. As I look at this graduating batch, I am filled with optimism for the future of rural India. Your education and experiences at IRMA have equipped you with the skills and mindset to tackle rural development challenges and create meaningful impact.
As you are aware, rural India faces complex challenges—agrarian distress, infrastructural deficits, inadequate access to education and healthcare, and rising unemployment. Having grown up in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, I understand these hardships first-hand. As graduates of IRMA, you are uniquely positioned to develop solutions that uplift rural communities and enhance livelihoods. Your journey here has been one of academic and personal growth, preparing you to take on leadership roles and contribute towards shaping a sustainable and prosperous rural India.
I extend my heartiest congratulations to 265 postgraduates from the Rural Management Programme, 37 postgraduates from the Executive Rural Management Programme, and one Fellow in Rural Management. Your accomplishments today mark the beginning of an exciting and impactful journey. As you move forward, I urge you to lead with humility, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose. Remember that every decision you make has the power to transform lives. Uphold integrity, honesty, and transparency as your guiding principles, regardless of the challenges you face.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” The Indian philosophy of “Share and Care” must be at the core of your values. I also encourage you to cherish the wisdom of your elders. Spending time with grandparents can provide invaluable lessons in life and ethics. Family values form the backbone of our society, and maintaining these traditions is crucial for our social fabric.
In this era of rapid technological advancements, it is easy to be captivated by innovation and overlook the human aspect of progress. While embracing technology and artificial intelligence, we must ensure that these advancements serve the greater good and do not undermine our commitment to humanity and community well-being.
In conclusion, my dear young friends, as you step out into the world, carry with you the torch of knowledge, compassion, service, and values. You are the future of India, and your journey has only just begun. Through your dedication and commitment, you have the potential to shape a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for our nation.
Once again, congratulations to all the graduates. I wish you the very best in all your endeavours.
Jai Hind!
