MONROVIA – The former Indian Honorary Counsel General to Liberia, Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, has challenged graduates of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University (AMEZU) to use the knowledge acquired to solve problems and “work like hell” to make a positive change in their respective lives and the society in general.
Dr. Sachdeva, who is commonly known as ‘Jeety’ in Liberia, is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Jeety Trading Corporation- the leading importer of building and electrical materials-and scores of other businesses in Liberia.
He cautioned the graduates to should always remember that their parents have played their part in their educational sojourn by spending hugely to give them a solid University education, and as such, they should not disappoint them.
Serving as Guest Speaker at the 30th Commencement Convocation of the AMEZU held in Vincent Town, Po River on Thursday, April 22, 2021, Dr. Sachdeva urged the graduates to always have in mind that they have been prepared not only on the academic front but also mentally to become problem solvers in their respective homes, workplaces, communities, the nation and the world at large.
“Use your skills, your knowledge, and everything you have learned, to make real and meaningful change with them—and become your own problem-solvers. You may not be able to solve or fix all of your problems; but, you can surely fix some because you have been placed in the position through the education you have received to do so, and you must do so diligently and propitiously”.
Take risk
Dr. Sachdeva further used the occasion to call on Liberians, especially the graduates not to be perturbed over taking risks if they must realize their full potential.
“To become successful, you inevitably have to take Risk. If you are afraid of taking risk because of the fear of failure, you will fail no matter what the circumstances. Failure is inevitable and it is impossible to live without failing even if you live cautiously. So do not be afraid of taking risk—once it is backed by the passion of work, it is going to fill a large part of your life”.
According to him, risk takes fears which block an individual from achieving his or her goal or dreams.
He maintained that fear does not give anyone the courage to direct all energy into finishing the only work that matters.
“The fear of loss caused you to freeze into a mode of in action thereby putting your dreams on hold — perpetually. We all have goals and have fears, but how you handle those fears will determine how quickly you reach your goals. Not every Risk ends up as a success—when it is not successful, learn from the mistakes made, and take the necessary remedial actions through your next moves”.
“You will never truly know yourself, and the strength of your ability, until you take Risk. Such knowledge is a true gift that is painfully gained, but worth the experience. Remember, the people you admire today for their successes took Risk to get to where they are, so do not be afraid to be fearless Risk takers”.
Follow imagination
He added that the taking of risk must always be followed because in a bid for citizens to fulfill their imagination.
Dr. Sachdeva reminded the graduates that though their intelligence and education give them unique status and responsibilities, it is imagination that will set many of them apart.
“Imagination is the greatest gift of mankind, so do not disregard it and behave like many who do not exercise it at all. There are many University graduates like you—smart and intelligent—but they are nowhere in the society because they choose to remain comfortably within their bounds, and not trouble about how it would feel to have been born other than they are”.
“If you are not living your imagination, you are not living. It is up to you to take the step and identify what works best for you and what does not, then adjust accordingly. At the end of the day, as you open your hearts to your imaginations, and work assiduously to implement them, you will succeed”.
He further maintained that though no one wants to be a failure, Liberians, particularly the graduates should take Risks and follow their imaginations if they must succeed in the future.
“Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Jack Ma, Mark Zuckerberg, Aliko Dangote and many more successful people, did not close their hearts to their imaginations, they followed it. Instead of being trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking, they follow their dream, and never let the noise of others’ opinions drown out on their own inner voices, hearts, and intuitions”.
Dr. Sachdeva reminded the graduates that as they choose to follow their imaginations, they will find “naysayers” in every turn that they make, but they should trust themselves and know exactly where they want to go.
“Get out there and work like hell and never ever be afraid of failure. You can overcome all odds to achieve your imaginations as long as you set your heart and mind to it. There is no such thing as cannot be done. If you really want to achieve your imagination, it will be yours for the taking. For there is truly little learning in success, but it is in failure, we learn lessons of Life.
He noted that the graduates should not allow anything to deter them from taking the first steps towards their imaginations.
“In addition, do not spend so much time trying to choose the perfect opportunity, that you miss the right opportunity. Know that there will be failures and obstacles but this should not be a reason why you will not want to follow your imaginations”.
“Do not fall into the trap of analysis paralysis, because otherwise, you will just be living a life of regret. Your imaginations put you on a journey of exploration and self-discovery: The decisions you make starting today will determine what you become. You will face many challenges, but this is what the “world” is all about”.
Dr. Sachdeva urged the graduates to always remember that Liberia depends on them to shape its future for good, and as such, they should take reasonable risks and use their imaginations.
“Try to keep out of trouble; however, if you are faced with a challenge—you have already been taught to become problem solvers. To the parents, trust your child. It is not good to underestimate their ability to deal with issues. You have to continue to keep your heads up high and face the greater challenges to reach your academic peak”.
Dr. Sachdeva, however, commended the Board and Administration of the A.M.E. Zion University the sacrificial roles being played to ensure that the university remains one of Liberia’s greatest and top-notch Tertiary Institutions of Higher Learning, reputed over the years for turning out many high grade Graduates and well-respected individuals who have positively impacted their Communities, the Liberian State, and Society, and the world at large.
He recalled that prior to the establishment of other universities of higher learning in the 1990’s, AME Zion University competed and measured to the few viable and outstanding universities in Liberia including the University of Liberia, Cuttington University and W.V.S. Tubman University.
Given the farsightedness of the university’s current President and Faculties, he added that the AME Zion University is now on par with these universities in academic works, accreditation and expansion.
At the same time, the Board and Administration of the AMEZU has conferred a Doctor of Humanities Degree on Dr. Sachdeva for his immense and indefatigable and humanitarian assistance to citizens and others not only in Liberia, but other parts of the world.
Dr. Sachdeva has been provided an uncountable number of humanitarian assistance to Liberians, through various initiatives including the free hot-meal distribution to thousands of less fortunate Liberian children, aging mothers, and fathers, disadvantaged youths, mentally derailed citizens, among others.