THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

• Dean of College, University of Delhi, Prof. Balaram Pani Ji,

• Principal, IP College, Prof. Poonam Kumria Ji,

• Distinguished faculty members,

• My dear students

   

Good morning, to all the bright and inspiring young women here! It is a pleasure to be here, before a gathering, of such energy, focus, and promise. When I look at all of you, I don’t just see students—I see leaders, innovators, change-makers in the making. And by the way, some of my good friends studied in IP College, when I was a student at DU.

Saman-vay, as the name suggests, reflects a coming together—of ideas, experiences, and aspirations. It is in this convergence, that meaningful progress, often emerges. 

Samanvay 2026 is, not only, a celebration of an institution’s journey, but also a moment to reflect, on the direction, in which its students, and by extension, the country is moving. 

Over more than a century, IP College has witnessed, profound transitions in Indian society, from the early struggles, for women’s education, to a time, when young women are shaping conversations, in every field, from public policy and science between mother to entrepreneurship and the arts.

What stands out in this journey, is not only, the legacy of the institution, but the changing role of its students. 

The young women, who pass through these corridors today, are not simply, recipients of education—they are participants, in a much larger process, of social and economic transformation. The expectations from them, are correspondingly higher, not in a burdensome sense, but in terms of the opportunities, available to them.

We are living in a period, defined by rapid technological change, shifting economic patterns, and evolving global dynamics. In such a context, education cannot remain confined, to textbooks or examinations. It must enable, the ability to think critically, adapt to change, and engage with, complex challenges. Whether it is, the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the transformation of workplaces, or the increasing importance, of sustainability, the choices that students, make today, will shape the trajectory of the future.

At the same time, it is important to recognize, that progress, is not only, measured in professional success. It is equally reflected, in the ability to contribute meaningfully, to the society. The values of empathy, responsibility, and public-mindedness, remain central, to any long-term vision, of development. As India continues to evolve, there will be a growing need, for individuals, who can combine competence, with a sense of purpose.

For students, graduating or moving forward, in their academic journeys, this is a moment of transition. It is a point, at which knowledge begins, to translate into action. The disciplines, you have studied, the experiences, you have gained, and the perspectives, you have developed, will now find application, in the real world. This transition, often brings uncertainty, but it also brings, possibility.

It is also a moment, that reflects a larger national journey—one that has steadily emphasized, the importance of educating, and empowering young women. As PM Narendra Modi ji, has emphasized, India is moving, from women’s development to Women led development. And that journey, begins in classrooms, like yours. 

Dear students, your education, is not just your right- it is your power, to lead the future.

At the same time, it is important to recognize, that empowerment today, goes beyond access to education. It extends to agency, leadership, and participation, in decision-making processes. Women today, are not only entering diverse professions, but are also influencing, how these professions, are shaped. This shift carries with it, the responsibility to continue expanding spaces, for inclusion, and opportunity.

India’s development story, in the coming decades, will depend significantly, on how effectively, it can harness the potential, of its young population. Institutions such as this, play an important role, in preparing that generation. However, the outcomes will, ultimately depend on, how individuals choose to apply, what they have learned.

As you move forward, it may be useful, to keep a few considerations, in mind. First, remain open to learning, even beyond formal education. Second, approach challenges, with a problem-solving mindset, rather than, a sense of limitation. And finally, stay anchored in values, that allow for both personal, and collective growth.

So I urge each one of you today:

• Dream without limits 
• Work with discipline 
• Stand with confidence 

• And never let anyone, define what you can or cannot achieve 

Do not just aim, to be successful—aim to be impactful.

I would like to extend, my best wishes, to all the students today. May you continue to build, on your achievements, and contribute in ways, that are thoughtful, responsible, and impactful.

Thank you.

JAI HIND.