Life is not a race, take your time to succeed: Assam CM to IIT Guwahati students

Guwahati, Sep 1 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday urged students and young professionals to remain patient in their pursuit of success, saying life should not be treated as a race where everyone is expected to move at the same pace.

Sarma was speaking while attending the 33rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, where he congratulated the institution on its journey of innovation, learning and academic excellence.

Addressing the students and faculty, the Chief Minister said young people should not feel discouraged if they do not progress as quickly as others around them. “Life is not a race. Even if you don’t run fast, it’s absolutely okay. You won’t be a broken Anda,” Sarma said in a light-hearted message to the students.

Using humour to convey a broader message about ambition and perseverance, Sarma said that success should not be measured merely by how quickly one reaches a particular destination. He encouraged the students to focus on their individual journeys, develop their capabilities and continue working towards their goals without being weighed down by comparisons with others.

The Chief Minister also highlighted IIT Guwahati’s contribution to the state’s education and innovation ecosystem, describing the institute as an important centre for learning, research and technological advancement.

He said the institution’s 33-year journey reflected the importance of creating an environment where young minds could experiment, innovate and pursue new ideas.

Sarma’s interaction with the students came as IIT Guwahati marked its 33rd Foundation Day, celebrating more than three decades of academic and technological contributions.

The Chief Minister said institutions such as IIT Guwahati have a crucial role in preparing young Indians for a rapidly changing world, where knowledge, innovation and adaptability are becoming increasingly important. He urged the students to make the most of their time at the institute and remain confident about their abilities while pursuing their aspirations.

Sarma’s informal and humorous remarks drew attention for their message that there is no fixed timeline for success and that individuals should not consider themselves failures simply because their journey is slower than that of others.

He said patience, perseverance and continuous learning remained essential qualities for young people seeking to make a meaningful contribution to society.

–IANS

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