From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 22: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar confessed that he became happier at becoming a graduate at the age of 48 than when he became a minister for the first time.

Addressing a function to felicitate the successful candidates of Parishrama NEET Academy on Saturday, he said becoming a graduate and receiving the graduation certificate from the Mysore University at the age of 48 was the happiest moment of his life.

“I am now a Deputy Chief Minister and have been president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. I have held important ministerial portfolios. But at one time, I felt sad that I have not completed my graduation,” he said and confessed that he was determined to pursue his studies and became a graduate while he was busy in politics.

Education is the most powerful weapon and can change the world, he said and pointed out that as many as 150 to 189 students of out of the 250 seats in Bangalore Medical College are cornered by the Parishrama NEET Academy, which is a remarkable performance.

Shivakumar warmly appreciated the efforts taken by his party colleague and MLA Pradeep Eshwar and promised to help the Academy to get his its own land to have its own building.

The Deputy Chief Minister said students must study hard and look for good opportunities, as they don’t come in search for people but it is the people, who have to be on the lookout for opportunities at all times and be ready to grab them.

“It is unimportant as to how many people are behind an individual but how many leaders an individual is able to produce. All of us have leadership qualities. We should strive to become leaders and serve in the fields chosen by us,” he said mentioning that leaders are not confined to politics alone and people excel in different fields.

Ministers Dr M C Sudhakar, Madhu Bangarappa and Karnataka Pollution Control Board former chairman Laxman were present.