Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Thursday, reminded the younger generations that the same blood flows through the veins of all people born in the country, and discrimination based on caste or religion should not be encouraged. There should be mutual respect, and social divisions need to be eliminated, the IAF chief said.
Addressing students of Karnavati University during its 6th convocation ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Singh urged youngsters to work hard to take India to her ancient glory. "Let me speak on the responsibility part. We have to make this nation great. We were once a leader in the world. But, we lagged behind during the last few centuries. And, if we have to do well again, it will be the people like you who matter, who are the future of this country," said Singh in his address.
The feeling of brotherhood should defeat social evils like casteism. "Respect each other's sentiments. There should be no social divide, because whatever divides us is not good. Same blood flows in our veins and we all belong to the same land. There should not be any discrimination on the basis of caste or religion. Only then will our country progress," the Air Chief Marshal asserted.
Before becoming anything else, they have to strive to become good human beings having qualities like compassion, honesty, integrity, and selflessness, Singh told the students. "Teamwork is very important. Remember we are all part of a big system. We all are like bricks in a wall. We all have to do our duty. This nation is made up of you and me. If we want to make India great, we have to first make ourselves better human beings," he said while urging them to think of giving back to society. Quoting the phrase "every soldier is a citizen in uniform and every citizen is a soldier without uniform", the IAF chief said some effort and time should be dedicated to the nation and society.
"Whatever you achieve in your life, wherever you go, always remember your roots and where you come from. Remember the teachings from your parents and teachers. Always stay humble and stay grounded. There is no shortcut to success. You have to put in hard work," he said. During the ceremony, an honorary Doctor of Literature degree was conferred upon Singh.