Dr.M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai

Hon’ble Minister for Health, Medical Education & Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu –– Shri Ma. Subramanian Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha –– Shri G.K. Vasan Ji; Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Tamil Nadu –– Shri Nainar Nagendran Ji; Chancellor –– Shri A.C. Shannmugam; President –– Er. A.C.S. Arunkumar; Vice Chancellor –– Dr. S.Geethalakshmi; Pro Vice Chancellor –– Dr. M.Ravichandran; Vice President –– Dr. M.K. Padmanabhan; Secretary –– Shri A.Ravikumar; Registrar –– Dr. C.B. Palanivelu;

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata The Most powerful and the most Merciful. I wish you all a very Happy and prosperous New Year 2026. This happens to be my first official function of this New year. And I am happy that it is in Chennai which is a living continuation of an ancient civilisation. Long before modern skylines rose, this land—once known as Thondai Mandalam—was a sacred confluence of knowledge, devotion, and trade. The sands of its shores have witnessed the footsteps of sages, scholars, saints, and seafarers who carried the wisdom of Bharat to distant lands. The shores of Marina are not just a modern landmark. It echoes the memory of ancient maritime India, when Tamil merchants sailed from these coasts to Southeast Asia, carrying not only spices and textile but also ideas, ethics, and culture. Chennai stands as a eminent silent witness to India’s age old engagement with the world—confident, open, and rooted in civilization.

It gives me immense pleasure to address you all today at the 34th Convocation ceremony of Dr.M.G.R. Educational Research Institute University. This University was born out of a vision to provide a value based quality education to the society through enrichment of human capital. Established in the year 2003, this University began its journey with a bold vision, and today, it stands tall as one of the most respected centres of higher learning in Tamil Nadu and across South India.

 Over the years, it has blossomed into a vibrant multidisciplinary educational hub, nurturing excellence in Medical Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Dental Sciences, Arts and Sciences, and Management, among many other fields. What truly defines the greatness of an institution, is not just its infrastructure or programmes, but the youngsters it shapes and the minds it inspires. Across two decades, this University has produced a remarkable community of distinguished alumni, now spread across the globe, serving humanity with competence, compassion, and commitment. Through their achievements, they carry forward the values and vision imbibed within these halls, contributing meaningfully to the enrichment of society. I take this august occasion to extend my heartiest greetings and congratulations to every individual associated with this great institution—the faculty who enlighten, the students who aspire, and the staff who work silently behind the scenes to sustain this noble mission.

I would also like to place on record my deep admiration and profound respect for the leadership and steadfast guidance of the Chancellor, Shri Dr. A. C. Shanmugam. My dear Graduates, let me at the outset warmly congratulate each one of you, who is being conferred the Degree today. It is a special day in your entire lifetime; you will remember it forever. It is a day when you celebrate your success and look forward to the impact you have on your parents, your profession and your country. I have no doubt that you will positively impact thousands of lives, over the course of your profession.

Dear students, our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modiji has set a national goal of making our country as a Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Under the visionary leadership and foresight of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, the transformative initiatives introduced through National Education Policy 2020 have substantially strengthened the country’s higher education system. This policy is a major shift from habitual memorization to critical thinking, from rigid boundaries to multi-disciplinary learning, from examination focus to holistic development.

Progress can be achieved only if we set goals, be it on a personal level, professional level or at national level. This goal of Viksit Bharat needs each one of your contribution. I have the confidence in your talent, your determination and the quality of the education, you have received from this great University which will guide you.

From tomorrow onwards, you will be joining with thousands of distinguished alumni. This enriched ecosystem of learning, in which you have spent in your learning phase, will provide you with necessary strength, courage and inspiration to seek and understand the different aspects of truth to shape your destiny. You have to carry with you the common aspirations of the past and present to uplift this great Nation to further heights. I tell you from my experience that this journey into the future will not be as smooth as it was in your campus. It is not an easy task. It will demand great amount of faith, hope and confidence in yourself. So, stand tall with all confidence and strength of sprit.

Dear students, it is clearly evident that this world around you is transforming rapidly owing to advancements in science and technology. Technology can be a game changer. Newer technologies are emerging day by day –AI, blockchain, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning and others. In this scenario, your efforts to learn should continue, as there is no end for learning. It is always a continuous process.

Graduates, Bharat now stands at its defining moment in history. It is now being increasingly sought by other countries as a market place and also as a potential outsourcing destination. To become an Atmanirbhar Bharat, I urge you all to rely on the startup ecosystem setup by the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modiji. I urge you all to strive to be entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of India’s economy. You are all aware we are now the fourth largest economy and soon we will become the third largest economy.

Dear Students, I urge you all to stay away from addiction be it drug addiction or social media addiction or any type of addiction. Use technology in positive way for the welfare of the society. Do not forget that the true fruit of education is harmony. Let us strive for harmony between thoughts and action, of science and religion, of individual and society. Graduates, once again congratulations to you all. I wish you success in all your future endeavours. I wish you all a very Happy New Year 2026 and Happy Pongal.

Jai Hind!
Long Live Mother Bharat!