Question

You were one of the fresh graduates at the convocation function of the University. You had the rare privilege of listening to the enlightening speech of Dr. Arignar Anna. Write a letter to your friend highlighting the core ideas of his speech and the impact of the speech on you.

Answer 1

27th June, 20xx
My Dear Tim,

I was lucky to be present when Dr. Annadurai gave the Convocation Address. Very rarely one gets such a lifetime opportunity. His genius was explicit in his talk. I could see a great leader and his concern for both the educated and unsung heroes fighting to eke out a living. At the outset, he greeted the graduates and thanked Annamalai University for the unique opportunity. His modesty was evident when he admitted that he was not adequately prepared to offer them appropriate guidelines to succeed but, as a layman, he could quote and annotate the ideas of experts connected to the field of education. He showered rich encomiums on the universities for being the repositories of thought, wisdom, and service. He admired the universities for their role in equipping the youth to a better society.

He compared the universities of feudal days which turned scholars into adornments of the royalty but modem universities which are surely for the market and not for mansions. He explained that universities have a role in preparing the graduates to serve society apart from earning a decent living for themselves. He advises the graduates not to be daunted by the adverse and demotivating environment but to draw inspiration from Purananooru, our ancient classic, and overcome societal obstacles to serve society in an exemplary manner. He completed his convocation address with the wish ‘May your life be a bright one and may its luster brighten the entire land’. The words of the great leader are still ringing in my memory.

With love
Your sincere friend
Joe

To
Tim Smith,
12, Sterling Road,
Chennai