‘Clarity of purpose transforms dreams into reality’

Chief Executive Officer of Magna International, Seetarama (Swamy) Kotagiri has urged students to keep asking ‘what’s next?’, because it is the clarity of purpose that transforms dreams into reality.

An alumnus of BVB College of Engineering and Technology (now KLE Technological University), Mr. Seetarama (Swamy) Kotagiri was delivering the convocation address at the seventh convocation of KLE Technological University at Dr. Prabhakar Kore Sports Arena in Hubballi on Saturday.

Mr. Seetarama, who took a stroll down memory lane, told the graduating students that as they were stepping into a world filled with incredible opportunities and real challenges, they would require resilience, creativity, humility, and courage.

He asked them to remember five simple things to achieve their goals. “You don’t need perfect conditions, you just need to start. Courage will take you further than certainty. Keep learning and keep asking ‘why?’ as curiosity always creates opportunity. Surround yourself with people who make you better. Choose people who lift you, challenge you, and ground you. Find a way to leave every place better than you found it,” he said.

Mr. Seetarama told the graduating candidates to make improvements through small gestures and also remember that one did not have to solve everything at once. “Ask yourself a simple question like what can I make better today? You will be amazed by where life takes you,” he said.

Quoting Robert Frost’s famous poem ‘The Road Not Taken’, he said: “Every meaningful journey in life involves choosing a road that others may overlook. It takes courage to step into the unknown. When you do, you not only shape your own future but open new paths for those who come after you”.

He advised them to have personal, professional, family and societal goals to lead a balanced and meaningful life.

Chancellor of KLE Technological University and chairman of KLE Society Prabhakar Kore declared the convocation open and conferred various degrees. Vice-Chancellor Prakash Tewari presented a brief report of the university highlighting its achievements.

Pro Chancellor Ashok Shettar, Registrar Basavaraj Anami, Prof. B.L. Desai, Prof. B.B. Kottur Shettar and heads of various departments, members of the Board of Governors, Executive Council and Academic Council, senior faculty members were present.

Gold medals

In all, 21 gold medals, including 15 for graduates and six for postgraduates; silver medals for 15 graduates and seven postgraduates, along with the Dr. S.S. Bhavikatti Gold Medal for topper in Civil Department were presented. A total of 2,466 students were awarded their degrees in engineering sciences, law, computer application, business administration and fashion and apparel design.