Aim to achieve, Sharma urges students

Young people should play their part as responsible citizens of their country and of the world. They should take pride in their culture, value their education and excel in their scholarship in order to build on their intellect, knowledge and experience so as to make positive contributions to society.

These were the words of advice handed out by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma to students at his alma mater, the Modern School, in New Delhi, India, on 23 October 2008.

Speaking at the Modernites Leadership Lecture – a twice yearly event that features eminent members of the Modern School alumni – the Secretary-General urged the students to aim high in their aspirations as their successes could lead to them playing a vital role in transforming societies. Mr Sharma, who had studied at the school from 1949 to 1957, stated that young people have to develop their wisdom in line with the rapidly changing world in which we live that is influenced by high-technology and knowledge networks.

The Secretary-General said young people today who have the knowledge and aptitude in various areas and a drive to succeed, will stand tall, with their heads above the rest of the crowd. He added that these young and bright people will be the ones that the older generation will turn to for advice. Mr Sharma said the advent of information and communication technology has opened up opportunities for acquiring and developing knowledge, ideas, data and skills.

He told the Indian students, whose ages ranged from 14 to 17 years old, to take pride in their history and heritage, and in the achievements throughout India’s civilisation. This included astronomy, physics, sciences, mathematics and the arts. Mr Sharma said India has produced many great leaders in various fields. He instilled in the students the importance of motivation and the attainment of goals as they embrace the future and what it has in store for them.

The Secretary-General said the Commonwealth values the contributions of young people and has set up four youth centres around the world, one of which is located in Chandigarh, India. He stated the Commonwealth Youth Programme centres are geared towards helping young people to develop their potential through training and workshops that promote learning and entrepreneurship – to empower them for a future that holds promise.

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