He underscored the importance of ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of the environment, highlighting the crucial role of green technologies and innovation in securing a sustainable future.
“Accelerated economic growth must not endanger our environment. Green technologies and enterprises hold the key to reversing ecological degradation,” he stated during his address at the convocation ceremony of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Raisan, Gandhinagar. Ambani is the president of the varsity.
Ambani highlighted the nation’s unstoppable trajectory as a global economic and green powerhouse. He urged students to explore the intersection of green materials and artificial intelligence, calling it the future of innovation, while cautioning against compromising ecological sustainability.
“No power in the world can stop India from becoming the third-largest economy within a few years and the most prosperous by the end of this century,” he said, expressing optimism about India’s economic potential. “Our PM envisions India as the greenest nation in the world. The intersection of green materials and artificial intelligence will shape the future,” he added.
Speaking of AI, Ambani stressed the importance of using AI as a tool for learning but advised students not to give up on critical thinking.
“You must be good at using AI as a tool of learning, but do not give up your own critical thinking…Chatgpt ka jarur se istemal karo, lekin yaad rakho, artificial buddhi se nahi, khudd ki buddhi se hum aage badvenge aap badh sakte hain(Definitely make use of ChatGPT, but remember, it is through our own intelligence, not artificial intelligence, that we will move forward and you can succeed),”Ambani said.
He further emphasised the pivotal role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in transforming Gujarat and India. He credited Modi’s visionary leadership during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister for spearheading the state’s growth in the energy sector.
“Long before he became Prime Minister, Modi ji told me he wanted Gujarat to lead the nation in energy and energy products. His determination is ‘Vajra Sankalp,’ an unwavering commitment to turning ideas into success,” said Ambani, describing Modi as a “Gurudev” and an extraordinary leader.
Praising Modi’s boundless energy, Ambani remarked, “People often wonder if the Prime Minister ever rests. The answer lies in what Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay said, ‘Kaam mein badlav hi vishranti hai’ (Change in work is rest). This is not just the PM’s motto but should be ours too.”
Five Guiding Principles for Graduates
Addressing the graduating students, Ambani shared five guiding principles for navigating life and career:
Discover your passion: Identify what ignites your soul and transforms work into joy.
Commit to lifelong learning: Continuous learning is crucial for survival and success.
Value relationships: Build meaningful connections, cherish family bonds, and cultivate empathy and resilience.
Dream big, work hard: Pursue your goals with unwavering determination.
Lead with purpose: Contribute to India’s global rise as inheritors of the nation’s rich legacy.
He reminded the students of the endless opportunities ahead, saying, “As you step out of the portals of this great university, you are entering the university of life, where there is no curriculum, faculty, or grading system. Life is as rewarding as it is demanding.”
Uday Kotak, founder and director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, was the chief guest at the convocation ceremony.
Describing the occasion as a “phenomenal privilege,” Kotak emphasised the unique vision behind the institution, conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and nurtured under the leadership of Mukesh Ambani and an illustrious board of directors.
He lauded the institution’s growth from its origins as a petroleum university to its current stature, noting its diversification into new sectors like innovation, where it ranks among the top 50 in the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework). “The institution’s success has been accelerated by Gujarat’s unwavering support, with the state awarding it a 5-star plus rating,” he said.
Kotak highlighted the importance of quality and excellence in every aspect of life. “Chase excellence, not money,” he advised the graduates, recalling the exemplary work of Mukesh and Nita Ambani in education, healthcare, and community development through institutions like Dhirubhai Ambani International School, the HN Reliance Hospital, and the Nita Ambani Convention Centre.
“If you achieve excellence and quality, outcomes will follow,” he said, stressing that deep satisfaction comes from pursuing one’s passion, and financial success will inevitably follow.
Kotak’s most poignant message centered on the importance of combining science with imagination. “The power of science and technology, combined with your dreams and imagination, has no limits,” he said. “You have the opportunity to open up your vision, create your own dreams, and make life different from what we can imagine today.”
He also raised a question about the role of finance in the institution’s curriculum, and urged varsity to start offering courses in the finance stream.
“Why is that my little area of finance is not finding any mention so far in the history of PDEU? You looked at law, you have looked at space, time has come for finance. And the reason is also because of amalgamation of finance and technology. Two of them are now deeply embedded together,” Kotak said.
He expressed hope for a future where Indian finance researchers find their rightful place in the global conversation, alongside advancements in technology.
Kotak concluded with a quote from Sir Isaac Newton, recalling the scientist’s words after his discovery of the law of gravity: “I am still collecting pebbles on the shore while the vast ocean lies undiscovered beside me.” “This quote is a reminder that the journey of discovery is endless, and we must remain humble, always open to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead,” Kotak said.
