Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 19: Rajeev Suri, CEO and president of Nokia speaking at a press conference on Saturday November 19 recalling his earlier years at Manipal said, "I visited the Manipal campus in 1985 with my father and stayed at Valley View Hotel, Manipal. Being a newcomer here, I was a little nervous and so my father stayed with me for two weeks instead of three days. Though from Kuwait, I enjoyed the Manipal campus, friends and the city as well."
"I used to visit Malpe beach, Shantala Hotel for bun masala, the temple and watch the sunset on the seashore. Sixteen of my friends had led a life worth recalling," he said.
Suri's message to the youth was, "Be a lifelong learner, once you have committed yourself to learning. It brings on a change in one’s life and I believe it too."
He also said, "Diversity and gender balance are also important for a country to develop."
Replying to a question from a media person he said, "Nokia is the largest network communication in the world. The company has joined hands with Microsoft mobile to develop Nokia technology in the market. They have planned to design 360 degree cameras, rebrand products and launch smartphones.
Appreciating Manipal University he said, "This was one of the best phases of my life. We had lots of fun, laughter with great friends and were fascinated about life. We were also serious about study."
In conversation with the students, Suri feels honoured at being there for the 23rd convocation as he was a graduate of the college. He learnt leadership by participating in the election campaign. He wanted to build his career in the technical field. Suri does not like to stick to a comfort zone, but wants to set himself up in a pressurized zone. Hence, he changed jobs constantly. He believes that one can be inventive when he puts himself in place of pressure.
He added, "Times change fast. Billions of devices, robots and technologies will come into existence in the next few years."
He encouraged the students with a wise quote - ‘life is nothing but balance and learning new things’.
Suri always encourages the staff to take risks and accept failures. "Risk makes one a little nervous but gives rise to invention of new things. If there is no conviction, there is no innovation either."
He believes that asking questions is the best way of learning and leadership is an experiential learning.
The life changing manthras of Suri are, "If a person believes in something, he will really fight. He must have a spirit of curiosity, be willing to take risks, not make use of short cuts, be just and be a lifelong learner.
Suri will be conferred honorary doctorate of engineer today. It is after 27 years that he came to the Manipal campus.
The 23rd convocation of Manipal University, Manipal will be held on three days namely November 19, 20 and 26. There will be a total of 1896 undergraduates, 1478 post graduates, 45 PhD scholars, two with super specialties and 14 gold medalists who will be awarded on the three days.