उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली

.   Bishop of Delhi, and Chairman of the College, Rt. Revd. Dr. Paul Swarup Ji,
.   Principal of the College, Prof. John Varghese Ji,
.   Distinguished members of the faculty, guests and dear students,

This occasion marks an important transition, in the lives of the graduating class. It is a moment, that brings together, reflection, anticipation, and a quiet recognition, of the journey, that has brought you here. For many of you, St. Stephen's, has not only been, a place of academic pursuit, but also a space, where ideas were shaped, perspectives were challenged, and friendships were formed.

St. Stephen's College is also my alma mater, and I have spent some of the most meaningful and formative moments of my life here. The memories of those years-of conversations, classrooms, debates, and friendships remain with me even today. They shaped not only my academic journey, but also my outlook on life.

The College remains a distinctive institution. For well over a century, it has nurtured generations of students who have gone on to contribute meaningfully across fields-public service, academia, business, and beyond. What it offers extends beyond formal instruction. It shapes a way of thinking, a way of engaging with the world, and a certain intellectual independence that stays with you long after you leave its corridors.
When I look back, at my time here, two aspects, stand out clearly.

The first is the emphasis on, intellectual curiosity. You are encouraged, not merely to learn, but to question-to examine assumptions, and engage with ideas, critically, even when they challenge, your own beliefs. This habit of inquiry, becomes an invaluable asset, in life. Whether in diplomacy, governance, or any professional field, the ability to listen, to analyse, and to respond thoughtfully, often matters more than having immediate answers.

The second is the sense of balance, between excellence and humility. This institution places before you, high expectations, but it also instills, a quiet discipline-an understanding, that achievement is not an end in itself, but a responsibility. The world you are entering, will present opportunities, but also complexities. How you navigate them, will depend, not only on your knowledge, but on your judgment, and values.

As you prepare, to step beyond these gates, it is worth remembering, that the world outside is, not always structured, or predictable. It is often uncertain, and at times demanding. Yet, it is also full of possibility. The education you have received here-both inside and outside, the classroom-has equipped you with, the intellectual and moral foundation, to engage with that world.

There will be moments, when the path ahead, seems unclear. In those moments, rely on the habits, you have developed here: the ability to think independently, to remain grounded, and to approach challenges, with patience, and integrity. These qualities, often matter more, than immediate success.
It is also important, to recognise, that learning does not end, with graduation. In many ways, it begins anew. The disciplines, you have studied, will find application, in different and sometimes, unexpected ways. The experiences you gather, will continue to shape your understanding, of the world. Remain open to learning, even when it comes, from unfamiliar places.

To the graduating students, this is a moment of moving forward, but it is also a moment of carrying something, with you. The values, friendships, and lessons from this institution, will remain, a part of your journey. As you go on, to pursue your ambitions, remember that success, is not measured, only by individual achievement, but also by the contribution, you make to the communities, and institutions, you become part of.

You are stepping into a world, that requires both competence and character. Approach it with confidence, but also with a sense of responsibility. Take on challenges with courage, remain steady, in moments of uncertainty, and continue to strive for excellence, in whatever path, you choose.
My best wishes, to all of you, as you begin this next chapter.

Thank you.
Jai Hind.