Picture perfect men and women in suits; graduation at the ITM Business School Chennai's 24th convocation was an "instagram ready moment," as one of the professors aptly put it. The class of 2016 - 2018 was decked in their robes, all set to take the next 'big' step of their lives. But what is a graduation, if not for those words of wisdom from some of the most eminent personalities of the industry, which you hope would finally change your life?
Getting ready for their minutes of fame, after two years of hard work, the ITM Business School's graduates were present at The Residency Towers Chennai - their juniors prepped to give them the best goodbyes, their professors encouraging of their futures and their parents in absolute awe of their own kids. Venkatesh Kannapan, Chief Operating Officer of Hinduja Housing Finance, was the chief guest of the day, along with Karishma Gupta, General Manager - OD and L&D of CMA CGM, was the Guest of Honour at the event.
It goes without saying that both guests did a wonderful job of understanding the ethos of the elated yet nervous students sitting in front of them. An almost 'been-there-done-that' attitude of Venkatesh Kannapan, truly did resonate with the students. Speaking of his own days of graduation and his shaky approach to his future 21 years ago, Kannapan was quite candid with his speech to his young audience.
"Apart from our one-minded focus, what really does set us apart is our value system - for nothing makes us more successful than being a person of integrity and an individual of our own making," he said. Reminiscing of his own tryst with kindness in his early days, Kannapan reiterated the need to be thoughtful and loyal, at all points in time.
Karishma Gupta too motivated the students to stay focused, but to approach the focus more systematically. "It is important to focus on four things - global competition, developing leadership, social responsibilities and lastly, always remembering to grow and seek greater opportunities," she said.
Professor R S S Mani, Vice President of Institutional Development, ITM Group of Institutions, also addressed the students, proud of the hard work and efforts the students had put in over the two years.
But it wasn't the students alone who took away from their convocation ceremony. "I am taking back proof from today - for my father, my kids, and my friends, who have always known me to be the average student in class and the overworked man that I am today. If I have come this far, I should be better than good for nothing!" he quipped.
Well, whether or not the graduating students of ITM found solace in the words of their speakers, they sure did leave with unforgettable conversations, stories, and moments which they will carry along with them for a long time to come.
