Chennai, Sept 2026 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday urged students to cultivate humility and a strong sense of responsibility, drawing on the example of renowned scientist and scholar Sir Isaac Newton and his acknowledgment of the contributions of others to his achievements.
Addressing students at MGR University in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Sitharaman said even a distinguished scholar like Newton recognised that his success and discoveries were supported by the work and assistance of other scholars.
“A brilliant scholar like Newton acknowledged that he required the assistance of various other scholars to achieve his success; he stated that it was through this collaboration that he was able to make his various discoveries. He expressed this with great humility,” the minister said.
Sitharaman said Newton’s approach demonstrated the importance of recognising the role played by others in an individual’s achievements. She urged students to adopt a similar attitude as they progress through their academic and professional lives.
“Therefore, it is crucial for students to cultivate humility and a sense of responsibility,” she said.
The Finance Minister emphasised that academic excellence and professional success should be accompanied by an appreciation of teamwork and the contributions of others. She encouraged students to remain grounded even as they pursue ambitious goals and build successful careers.
Sitharaman also called upon graduating students to accept leadership responsibilities and keep the interests of the nation at the forefront as they enter their professional lives.
She stressed that the security and strength of the country were essential for ensuring a stable and prosperous future for its citizens. Students, she said, would have an important role to play in strengthening the nation through their knowledge, skills and professional contributions.
The minister also highlighted the need for graduates to adapt to rapid technological changes while maintaining humility. With technology transforming workplaces and industries at an unprecedented pace, she encouraged students to continue learning and remain open to new ideas.
Reiterating the example of Newton, Sitharaman said the celebrated scholar had acknowledged that he had benefited from the assistance of others in making his discoveries. Such recognition, she noted, reflected not only intellectual maturity but also humility.
“A distinguished scholar like Newton, in his speech, has stated that he needed the help of various scholars for his success today. Through this, he has conveyed that he was able to make various discoveries. He expressed this with great humility,” she said.
Sitharaman urged students to carry these values into their personal and professional journeys, saying that responsibility, humility and a commitment to excellence would help them become effective leaders.
Her message to the graduates centred on balancing ambition with humility, while recognising that individual achievements are often supported by collective efforts. She also encouraged them to contribute to the country’s growth and remain prepared to meet the challenges emerging from technological and economic transformation.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
