Emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making, environmental management, and social responsibility, Vinita Bali, former Managing Director of Britannia Industries, cited the decline of the lakes in Bengaluru as an example of the impact of human actions while addressing students in year 14. Ahmedabad University conference on Tuesday.
Urging students to prioritize values, integrity, and leadership, Bali asked them to think about the world we are creating, and the relationship a person wants to have not only with other people, but with the environment.
“I live in Bangalore. 60 years ago, there were 200 lakes. Now there are only 51 lakes. What happened to others? Well, people like us have decided that there are other things that can be done in the lakes, for example, to build luxury houses that are sold at cheap prices, and then fill with water when there is heavy rain…” he said.
“The world is crying out for people like us…So, let’s make decisions that are good for us, our planet and our communities,” he added.
Bali also emphasized the importance of curiosity, compassion, and empathy in personal and professional growth. He emphasized the need to use knowledge in the right way and the importance of creating a world of compassion and happiness through informed and righteous actions.
“(I) material progress (seen in the last few years) has also created new challenges, which you will all have to face as you lead the next career of your life… those challenges will be solved not only by your knowledge, but… by compassion and empathy and understanding, by… building bridges and friendships that you did not know it can happen,” he said.
Presiding over the event, Chancellor Sanjay Lalbhai reflected on Ahmedabad University’s vision: to create an institution that positions India as a leading light in the creation and dissemination of knowledge.
The Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Management, Professor Pankaj Chandra, in his address, encouraged the graduates to use their education to make a tangible contribution to society.
In this meeting, about 830 students received their degrees.