Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, 27 August called on graduating students of Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad to anchor their ambitions in service to the nation, society, and the underprivileged — rather than in personal or family gain. Speaking as chief guest at the institution's 72nd convocation, Shah told the 900 degree recipients that a society-centred goal would free them from the weight of success or failure.

Key Remarks at the Convocation

Addressing the gathering at Pranjivan Vidyarthi Bhavan, Shah urged students to fix upon a purpose before leaving the campus — but cautioned against being paralysed by doubt over outcomes. He quoted an unnamed mentor: 'One should not think about whether a task will be accomplished or not. One should only think about whether the task is worth doing or not.'

He elaborated that when a goal is rooted in the welfare of the country and society, personal setbacks lose their sting. 'If you set a goal for society and the country, the burden of victory or defeat will not remain on you,' he said.

Shah's Personal Journey as Illustration

The Home Minister drew on his own biography to reinforce the message, saying he had encountered 'many difficulties' in life yet had never allowed disappointment to take hold. He attributed this resilience to the fact that the purpose behind those struggles was never self-serving. 'The only reason is that the goal for which the difficulties came and the purpose for which I had to live the rest of my life were not for me or my family,' he said.

Despite attempts to discourage him over the years, Shah said his enthusiasm for work remained intact and, 'by God's grace', he had continued to fight every battle and come through.

Gujarat Vidyapith: Education Through Experimentation

Shah described Gujarat Vidyapith as an institution that had shaped education through deliberate experimentation — including a village-centred development model and a basic-education philosophy. 'Students had been taught to move from the self towards others and to think about society as a whole,' he said.

He also disclosed a personal connection with the institution, recalling that he had been a frequent reader in its library and had never imagined he would one day address its convocation as chief guest. He spoke of being influenced by Mahatma Gandhi from childhood, noted that his mother was a devoted follower of Gandhi, and said he had taken a lifelong vow to wear khadi — recalling spinning yarn and weaving it during his younger years.

Message on Continued Self-Study

Shah reminded graduates that the values and practices absorbed at the Vidyapith should serve as a continuing compass after they left. 'If you continue the daily practice and self-study of what you have learnt here, a path will emerge on its own,' he emphasised.

Gujarat Governor and Chancellor Acharya Devvrat presided over the ceremony. As the graduates move into professional and civic life, Shah's address signals a broader governmental emphasis on youth channelling education toward public service rather than individual advancement.