to graduates of 2011

1. ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR.K.ROSAIAH, GOVERNOR OF TAMIL NADU
AT THE 13TH GRADUATION DAY CEREMONY AT THE VELAMMAL
ENGINEERING COLLEGE, CHENNAI ON 21.04.2012 AT 11.15 A.M.
It is a pleasure to participate in the Graduation Day celebrations, present the
Medals and Degrees to the young graduates and address the distinguished
gathering here this morning.
Graduation Day is a memorable day in the life of a student as well as an
institution. It is a matter of great rejoice not only for the students and the institution,
but it is also for the parents. It is nice to see more and more young students coming
out in flying colours. The Velammal Engineering College is one of the pioneering
educational institution which has dedicated itself in giving good quality education. I
congratulate Velammal Engineering College for being ranked as one among the top
3 self financing colleges in terms of Academic results and as one of the top 5
colleges in placements affiliated to the Anna University, Chennai, by getting 92
university ranks and is a topper in the State. It is a remarkable and a laudable
achievement. This indicates the hard work put in by the faculty and students.
The educational institutions should not only be knowledge centers, they
should also be eye openers. They should build in the students’ wisdom, the spirit of
courage, dedication and patriotism.
I am pleased to learn that 92% of the students have been placed with more
than 30% having dual offer. I congratulate the Velammal Engineering College for
working with a mission to educate the student community both by theory and
practice to fit in with the society to conquer tomorrow’s technology at global level with
human values. The excellent education, discipline and the values of good conduct
and character that you have learnt from this institution will have a defining influence
on your career and life.
The educational institutions are store houses of knowledge. The teachers are
the reservoirs of new spirit; the spirit of adventure to explore knowledge, learn more
and more to impart in students a value based education.
I quote the words of Dr.S.Radhakrishnan, “I appeal to the teachers that if the
generous youth, hospitable youth, adventurous youth, courageous youth, whom we
have in this country, if they are to be utilised for building up of a new India, a new
society, the beginning must come from the teachers themselves”.
I am sure that the teachers – the Professors and Faculty would set
themselves as examples. The whole of teaching profession is looked upon as some
thing integral to the development of an individual and a nation.

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My appeal to the youth – the young graduants and the students is to bring
about a change. As Gandhiji said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the
world”. The change must come from within. Be dynamic, courageous and pragmatic
in approach. The nation expects a lot from you. It is the spirit that you have gained
here through intelligence, the spirit of compassion, unity and love that will move the
society forward. Shed your egoism and self centeredness, learn the values of
human life; shoulder the responsibility of taking our nation to greater heights.
The future belongs to science and those who make friends with science” said
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Research and innovation are the key for development. Be
creative and innovative. Mere obtaining a degree and getting a placement will not
suffice. Master in your field of interest. Be job creators and not job seekers. The
nation needs more and more entrepreneurs.
I congratulate the Velammal Engineering College for winning the All India
Entrepreneurship week Championship Award 2012 instituted by the National
Entrepreneurship Network. I am happy to learn that Velammal Engineering College
has been adjudged 1st among the Colleges in Chennai and 6th at the National Level
in the ‘SAE BAJA-2012’ - All Terrain Vehicle building competition.
I congratulate Thiru M.V.M.Velmurugan, CEO, Velammal Educational Trust,
The Management, The Principal, Faculty, Staff and Students and the young
Graduants on its 13th Graduation Day Celebrations.
I conclude with the words,
“Youth are a symbol of hope. Be hard working, truthful, dynamic and
innovative. Resolve to act nobly and live intensely. The world is yours”.
My greetings to all of you.
Jai Hind.
*****