Mukesh Ambani's Convocation Address at PDEU: A Vision for Youth, Innovation, and India’s Future

Dr. Mukesh Ambani gave a profoundly motivational speech at Pandit Deendayal Energy University's (PDEU) 13th convocation ceremony that blended introspection, a national vision, and helpful advice for graduating students. In his capacity as PDEU's president, Dr. Ambani highlighted the university's goal of promoting energy, sustainability, and innovation while describing it as a "Temple of Knowledge" with a higher purpose—to serve both Mother India and Mother Earth.

Dr. Ambani started off by thanking the distinguished leaders in attendance and summarizing PDEU's history since its establishment. He took pride in the university's rising stature, pointing to its NIRF 2025 ranking among the Top 50 institutions for innovation, the faculty's international recognition, its substantial research output, and its expanding patent portfolio. He underlined that these accomplishments show how PDEU has strengthened India's scientific and technological capacities.

Dr. Ambani highlighted the contrast between India's robust growth momentum and a slowing global economy, placing the convocation in a larger national and international context. He claimed that although many nations experience uncertainty, India is characterized by self-assurance, aspiration, and opportunity. But he warned that India must become Atma Nirbhar—self-sufficient in vital technologies—due to geopolitical challenges. He emphasized that countries only become economic powers when they invest in top-notch universities and cutting-edge research, citing examples from around the world. He claimed that India's time has come to take the lead. Artificial intelligence, green and new energy, nuclear fusion, space technology, biotechnology, and life sciences were among the technologies that dominated much of his speech. Dr. Ambani urged both students and faculty to make significant contributions to India's innovation ecosystem and urged PDEU to strive for global leadership in green energy, green materials, and the green economy.

Dr. Ambani gave a stirring speech of hope to the graduating students. He characterized them as the epitome of "New India"—capable, self-assured, and prepared to mold the future of a country with 145 crore citizens. He assured them that they are coming into the world at a time when there are many more opportunities than there were for earlier generations.

Dr. Ambani introduced the four lifelong companions for success—curiosity, courage, perseverance, and gratitude—in one of the speech's most memorable passages. He highlighted curiosity as the cornerstone of leadership in the AI era, courage as the ability to dream big, perseverance as the self-control to face failure, and thankfulness as the anchor that maintains humility in the face of achievement.

Dr. Ambani reiterated PDEU's dedication to excellence and national service while concluding with sincere congratulations to parents, teachers, and students. His speech was more than just a formal speech; it was a call to action, inspiring young people to lead with integrity, creativity, and purpose as they enter a world that is changing quickly.