Anand Mahindra’s advice to GenZ: ‘What you believe, you build’

Mahindra University celebrated its fourth annual convocation on Sunday at its campus in Bahadurpally, Hyderabad. The event marked a significant milestone for 943 students from across engineering, management, law, and education schools, along with 13 PhD scholars.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group and chancellor of Mahindra University, presided over the ceremony.

In his address to the graduating students, Mahindra said, “You are inheriting a world that feels unstable and unpredictable. You have grown up watching financial crises, pandemics, climate emergencies, political polarization and rapid technological disruption unfold in real time. All of this has probably made you, as members of Gen Z, cautious, sceptical and less trusting of authority. At the same time, you have also grown up fluent in the use of technology and have witnessed manifold examples of its potential for both good and evil.”

Mahindra said Gen Z hearts are undeniably in the right place as it is probably the only generation to demand that jobs, brands and leaders must align with ethics and purpose.

Mahindra emphasised the profound duality of purpose embedded in the University's mission to educate 'citizens FOR and OF a better world.' He called upon graduating students to not only embody the values of compassion, critical thinking, and ethics as inheritors of today's world but also to take ownership as architects of a brighter future. Highlighting the transformative power of belief and action, he urged the graduates to live by their values and shape a world rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and justice.

Mahindra said in rich Indian tradition, one is expected to live by one’s beliefs not just a citizen ‘OF’ the world, but also ‘FOR’ the world.

Mahindra quoted the Upanishads, “Yadbhāvaḥ, tat bhavati”, which literally translates as "As you believe, so it becomes" Or, to put it another way, "What you believe, you build."

“What you hold within- your values, your vision, your intent, your actions - will shape what unfolds around you. Educating you to live by your values and translate them into action for the present and for the future - that's the purpose of Mahindra University. May that be your guiding light as you step out into the world,” he said.

G V Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, was the Chief Guest at the convocation. Congratulating the graduating students, Prasad said, “Today marks a new beginning for your dreams and aspirations. As you step into the world, you need to be collaborative, learn from others, build communities and workplaces that break barriers, foster innovation. In today's world, learning is essential for growth and making an impact.”

Mohit Joshi, Member, Board of Management, Mahindra University, and CEO & MD, Tech Mahindra, highlighted the need for professionals who can bridge disciplines, question the status quo, and innovate with purpose. Mahindra University will increasingly thrive on partnerships across industries, Joshi said, adding that Tech Mahindra is proud to be part of this ecosystem. "This year's convocation marks the integration of academic depth and industry relevance; a reflection of our commitment to being future-ready, agile and grounded in values,” Joshi said.