Ahmedabad: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday called on India’s youth to take charge of the country’s progress at a time of intensifying global technological challenges. He delivered an address to students during the 12th convocation ceremony of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar.

The business tycoon mentioned four companions to students that will always remain with them as they step into the future. Adding to the students, Ambani said, “Young friends, as you begin your journey, I want to introduce you to four life-long companions who will walk beside you every step of the way. Your first friend is curiosity. This is the child within you that keeps asking ‘why’ and ‘why not.’ Curiosity opens doors you didn’t know existed. It pushes you to learn, explore, and discover. Nurture it every single day because a curious mind never becomes irrelevant.”

“In today’s world, ChatGPT can give you answers, but only you can ask the right questions. In the age of AI, the person with the most answers is smart. But the person with the best questions is a leader, and all of you will be those leaders. Never let your curiosity and your faculty of thinking die,” he said.

Ambani further said, “Your second strength is courage. Courage is the voice that says dream. It is a strength that stays with you when the world is uncertain. It helps you move forward even when the path is unclear. Let courage be your compass in very difficult moments. Your third friend is perseverance. There will be days when progress is slow, when results seem distant, when you feel tired and discouraged. Perseverance is the quiet force that helps you rise each time you fall and try again with renewed determination. Success is not a 100-meter sprint; it is a long, patient marathon. Always persevere and never give up.”

“Your fourth friend is gratitude, which comes with humility. It is the gentle reminder that whatever you achieve is built on the support, love, and goodwill of countless people around you. Gratitude and humility keep you grounded as you rise higher. They teach you that true success is not just reaching the top but remaining humble once you get there. As Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa beautifully said, a tree laden with fruits always bends low. My dear graduating students, if you embrace these four friends, curiosity, courage, perseverance, and gratitude, your life journey will be purposeful, your achievements will be meaningful, and your life will be truly beautiful,” Ambani added.

Ambani also highlighted the pivotal role young Indians will play in steering the nation’s future, emphasizing the importance of innovation and continuous learning in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. He noted that “the next generation will change India,” urging students to adapt and lead.

Serving as the Founder-President and Chairman of the university’s Board of Governors, Ambani stressed the necessity for India to achieve self-reliance in advanced sectors. Pointing to areas like artificial intelligence, he warned of intense international competition, saying, “India must become atmanirbhar… there is stiff global competition in AI.” DeshGujarat