Jamshedpur, August 16, (J.H.): Super 30 founder and Padma Shri awardee Anand Kumar told newly enrolled students of Arka Jain University that long-term success depends on more than earning a degree, urging them to develop skills, remain positive, work relentlessly and stay patient through setbacks.
Kumar was speaking at the university’s ‘Aarambh’ programme at the XLRI auditorium in Jamshedpur on Sunday. The event was organised to welcome students before the beginning of the new academic session.
His four-point message to the students was strong desire, positive thinking, relentless effort and limitless patience. He encouraged them to set ambitious goals, believe in their own abilities and remain committed even when circumstances do not go as planned.
Focus on skills, not just a degree
Kumar said students should not approach higher education solely with the expectation of obtaining a degree and finding a job afterwards. Instead, he asked them to think about the skills they could develop and what they could create or contribute to society.
He also stressed the importance of choosing a field that interests them while recognising that genuine interest has to be backed by sustained hard work.
Drawing on his own experiences, Kumar recalled reading about Swami Vivekananda during his childhood and taking inspiration from the idea that people possess extraordinary potential. He urged students to recognise their own capabilities rather than setting limits on what they can achieve.
Kumar also spoke about the role of setbacks in shaping a person’s journey. Referring to his own inability to go to Cambridge University, he said life can take people in directions they do not initially expect. He encouraged students to treat such changes as opportunities rather than allowing disappointment to derail their ambitions.
Hard work, humility and patience
Kumar advised students to remain innovative and take their studies seriously from the outset. He said hard work, good conduct and humility are important for achieving success and cautioned students against allowing ego to interfere with their progress.
Recalling his own student years in Patna, he spoke about continuing his studies despite limited resources. His pursuit of research later took him to other cities, and he said one of his research papers was published in a Cambridge University journal.
For Kumar, the experience demonstrated the importance of curiosity and a continued willingness to learn regardless of circumstances.
He also shared examples of students associated with Super 30. Among them was Abhishek Raj, whom Kumar described as coming from a village in Nalanda and a farming family. According to Kumar, Raj moved to Patna for his education and continued studying despite difficult circumstances before eventually working for a major company in Texas.
Kumar also cited Shashi Narayan, whom he described as coming from an economically weaker family and initially struggling with English. He said Narayan went on to secure admission to IIT Kharagpur and later worked as a scientist at Google.
Students urged to stay focused amid digital distractions
Kumar cautioned students against allowing mobile phones and social media to distract them from their goals. He acknowledged that diversions are inevitable but said students should remain focused on the purpose they have set for themselves.
He urged them not to lose patience after failures and to continue working towards their objectives.
2,400 students enrolled across nearly 35 programmes
Arka Jain University has enrolled around 2,400 students this year across nearly 35 courses, according to information shared at the programme.
The university has also introduced new programmes, including forensic science, along with other courses aimed at emerging employment opportunities.
The university’s director said an academic collaboration is also being developed with a university in Japan. Under the proposed arrangement, students from Japan will have opportunities to visit Arka Jain University, while students from the university will get opportunities to travel to Japan for academic exposure.
The Aarambh programme also included student performances and activities focused on higher education, skill development and opportunities available to the new batch.
