Experiences may shape individuals but should not define destiny, says Liberian Nobel Laureate

While life experiences may shape individuals, they should never define a person’s destiny, Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee has said.

Ms. Gbowee, who won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her non-violent struggle for women’s safety and their right to full participation in peacebuilding, was the chief guest at the first convocation ceremony of the Takshashila University, Tindivanam.

Ms. Gbowee shared with the students her life’s challenges and the experiences that shaped her journey through circumstances of poverty and hardship, as she encouraged students to rise above challenges and innovate even when opportunities seem limited.

Stressing the importance of integrity in today’s world, the Liberian peace activist commended the University’s moral-value-based education, holistic learning, and interdisciplinary approach. 

Jagannath Sami, High Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji, in his address, said a person’s contribution to society was the true measure of success. On the strong relationship between India and Fiji, he pointed to increasing collaboration in digital learning, renewable energy, health sciences and telemedicine, and noted that Fiji remains a safe and globally recognised study destination for Indian students.

P.T. Usha, iconic athlete and the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association, and Tamil and Malayalam author B. Jeyamohan, were conferred honorary doctorates during the event.

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Usha dedicated the award to young athletes across India and urged students to pursue their goals with dedication and integrity.

Mr. Jeyamohan highlighted the rich heritage of Tamil literature and the steadfastness of aesthetic-circle writers who have upheld their values without bowing to authoritarian forces. Hence, the honour belongs not just to him but to the entire modern Tamil literary movement, he said.

At a time when modern Tamil writers are often considered outsiders and seldom receive such recognition, he held the doctorate to be of great significance, Mr. Jeyamohan said. Recalling that Vishnuvamam, an institution founded 50 years ago to celebrate literary pioneers, had now grown globally, the author expressed hope that many new literary voices will continue to shine in the future.

M. Dhanasekaran, the Chancellor of Takshashila University and Managing Director of the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Educational Trust, termed Ms. Gbowee, Ms. Usha and Mr. Jeyamohan as sources of inspiration and encouraged graduates to set ambitious goals, uphold pure intentions and maintain discipline.

Among those who participated were Takshashila University Vice-Chancellor Vivek Inder Kochar, Pro-Chancellors D. Nila Priyadarshini and D. Rajarajan, Honorary Pro-Chancellor J. Ranganathan, Registrar S. Senthil, Controller of Examinations S. Gopalakrishnan, Dean of Academic Affairs R. Subramanian, Dean of Administration, Quality and Accreditations Ki. Seetharaman, Dean of Arts and Science S. Deepa, Dean of Science and Technology A. Subalakshmi, Joint Registrar M. Ramalingam, Chief Financial Officer J. V. Krishnamohan, faculty members, administrative officials, students and parents.

A total of 153 graduates received their degrees, including 17 gold medallists and 104 first-class graduates.