THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

. Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Manoj Kumar Tiwari Ji,
. Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi, Prof. Balaram Pani Ji,
. Member, Governing Body, Shri Himanshu Gupta Ji,
. Principal, Prof. Nachi keta Singh Ji,
. Distinguished faculty members, guests and dear students

At the outset, it is important to recognize, what evening colleges represent, in INDIA. They are not just, an administrative extension, of higher education. Institutions like Shyam Lal College, embody the idea, that opportunity must remain accessible, to every section of society, irrespective of circumstance, or background.

Since its establishment, in 1964, and with the Evening College functioning, from 1969, this institution has contributed steadily, and meaningfully, to nation-building, by educating, generations of students.

In many ways, evening colleges reflect, the real structure of Indian society. A student here is often, balancing far more, than academics. They may be, managing multiple commitments, during the day. Yet, despite these constraints, the choice, to continue, education remains — and that choice itself is powerful.

Education is not defined, by schedules, or classrooms. Its true measure lies, in purpose, capability, and the transformation, it brings to our thinking. As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has said, “If education is acquired, without any goal, then it is, nothing more than, a certificate hanging on one’s wall.” Education must, therefore, go beyond access — it must, build capability.

Evening colleges, make lifelong learning, possible. They ensure, that education is not, a one-time phase of life, but, a continuous process. They also extend, opportunity to those, who are willing to work for it, alongside their responsibilities. This is inclusiveness in action — education designed to adapt, to the realities, of students’ lives.

Universities and colleges, including evening institutions, are not only, centres of learning, but also engines, of social transformation. They shape responsible citizens, encourage innovation, and create awareness, about issues that matter to, society at large, — from sustainability, and public health, to civic responsibility, and cultural enrichment. In this way, education becomes a force, that uplifts communities, not just individuals.

Students today, must focus, not only on degrees, but on skills, judgment, and integrity. The future, will belong to those, who can think clearly, adapt quickly, and act responsibly, in uncertain environments.

India today, is moving through, a period of major transformation — economically, technologically, and socially. The country needs, capable young people, in every field: administration, education, business, research, start-ups, media, technology, and the creative industries.

Delhi has always been, a city of aspiration – a city where ambition, diversity, and opportunity converge. And as Delhi, positions itself, with the vision of Viksit Bharat, colleges play a vital role, in preparing, disciplined, skilled, and socially conscious, citizens, who will drive, this transformation forward.

To the students present here, your journey itself, reflects discipline. Managing education, alongside other responsibilities, is not easy. But such experiences, builds resi-lience, and resi-lience is among, the most valuable qualities, any person can possess.

As you move forward, remember that your value will, not only come, from what you have studied, but from, how you apply, what you have learned. The world will test, not just your knowledge, but your consistency, and integrity.

I extend my best wishes, to all the students, for their future. May you continue to learn, with humility, work with integrity, and serve the society, with sensitivity. I wish you all, success, strength, and fulfilment, in the journey ahead.      

                                  
Thank you.                                                                 
Jai Hind