Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar has called upon students to be prepared for the long haul and not look for shortcuts.

Participating as the chief guest at the 17th convocation of GITAM deemed to be University the minister cited skill, perseverance, discipline and personality as the most important factors in their future journey along with education.

“The degree a student obtains opens doors of opportunities for him, but what determines his subsequent success is his skill, experience, discipline and personality” opined the minister.

Changing Dynamics

He said that students are graduating at a time when India is emerging as one of the most important economic and technological powers in the world.

Noting that the current world is changing rapidly, and technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are completely transforming many sectors, he acknowledged that although some jobs may disappear, new types of professions/opportunities will be created.

The union minister therefore called on them to use this opportunity and participate in the development of the country with their skills.

Build Character

He reiterated that good academic performance is useful for initial opportunities, but personal qualities like Conscientiousness, Grit, Leadership, Risk-taking ability are more important for long-term career success.

Stating that Character is Everything, he said that a person’s character always travels with him in every job.

Dr Pemmasani therefore advised students to focus on building Ability, Credibility, and Character rather than seek temporary impact or recognition.

He advocated that one should try to innovate and create value on their own and not imitate others.

Job Creators

Dr. Pemmasani said that the country needs Job Creators, not just Job Seekers waiting for a job. He thus advised students not to wait for the right opportunity or the right time. Instead he asked them to start even if they are not fully prepared, take calculated risks, and move forward by learning from failures.

Your Network

The union minister finally urged students to give priority to health, sleep, exercise, good food, networking and meaningful relationships along with career.

“Choose your circle as carefully as you choose your career,” he said.

Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha Member of Parliament and GITAM deemed to be university President Mr M Sribharat along with senior leadership of the university participated.