The evening air buzzed with excitement as families, faculty, and friends gathered at GLS University, their eyes bright with anticipation. Academic robes shimmered under the lights, and the gentle rustle of programs and applause set the stage for a momentous celebration. But amid the usual festivity of the third GLS–UTSC convocation—a collaboration with UTS College, Australia, and part of an international global programme—a simple story shifted the tone from celebration to reflection.
Students were about to receive their diplomas, stepping onto a global stage that stretched far beyond the Ahmedabad campus. Yet it was not just academic achievement that defined the evening. Dr. Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director and International Director of GLS University, invited everyone to pause and consider the power of perspective.
She told a quiet story of children at a campus construction site, playing a makeshift game of “train-train.” One boy stood at the end, waving a green cloth as the guard. “He couldn’t join the train, yet chose to be part of it,” she said, her voice calm but resonant. “Life doesn’t wait for you to have everything; it asks if you will show up with what you have.” In that simple image of resilience, the audience found a metaphor for their own journeys—reminders that participation and perseverance often matter more than perfection.
Dr. Dharmesh Shah, Provost of GLS University, presented the student progression report, while representatives from UTS College, Peter Harris and Aline Chiron, highlighted the growing global pathways that awaited the graduates. Many of these students are expected to continue their studies in Australia, stepping confidently into a world of opportunity.
Amid applause and the conferral of diplomas, Mr. Peter Harris shared a powerful message with the graduates: “What lies ahead for you—whether it’s with UTS or wherever you take it—the foundation you have got now is to go and be impactful. Be the best version of yourself, trust yourself, and you will be great. This is just the beginning, and we are really excited to be a small part of your journey.”
Dr. Kapadia reminded the graduates that the diploma symbolized more than academic success—it reflected perseverance, values, and the choice to show up for life. As the evening concluded with a campus visit and dinner reception, the image of a young boy with a green flag lingered in the minds of all: a quiet, enduring reminder that resilience begins with simply participating and moving forward.