MJ Xavier (right) hands over a certificate to a student at the convocation in Ranchi on Friday. (Hardeep Singh)

Follow your passion but don’t chase opportunities. Compete but not to compare.

He is no motivational speaker or career counsellor, but the words of IIM-Ranchi director M.J. Xavier must have inspired the 650-odd graduating students, sitting at the auditorium of Ranchi’s Marwari Boys’ College on Friday, to follow their heart.

Xavier was addressing the 26th convocation of IGNOU’s Ranchi regional centre as the guest of honour. Supposing that the students “would like to hear stories as opposed to sermons”, Xavier narrated anecdotes from his experience to convey that “power, fame and position are not necessarily related to education and intelligence”. “Respect every individual and learn from everyone. Follow your passion but don’t chase opportunities and most importantly, compete not to compare,” he said.

Earlier, Shiva Kumar, regional director, IGNOU, Ranchi, spoke about advantages of the open and distance learning system, saying it had gained wide acceptance across the society due to its flexibility, innovation and suitability.

Many in the audience agreed with Kumar.

“IGNOU surely helps people like me to continue studies. I could not join a regular course for circumstances beyond my control. But I am proud to get my master’s degree (commerce) today,” said Moonmoon Mullick.

On Friday, IGNOU held its convocation across the country, showering degrees, diplomas and certificates on as many as 1,58,387 students. Of the 2,718 students who completed their studies at the Ranchi centre, 650 had come to collect their certificates.

Before the programme began, students watched President Pranab Mukherjee delivering the convocation address at IGNOU headquarters in Delhi. The programme was relayed across 48 regional centres through videoconference.