Chennai: Earning a degree is not the end of education but a new beginning to learn more, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Monday, urging students to dream big, work hard, and remain kind and simple in life.

Speaking at the 33rd Graduation Day of the Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM), Tiruchirappalli, Stalin said students should keep pace with the rapidly changing world and draw inspiration from the Thirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar.

“We should keep pace with the rapidly developing world and not lag or become outdated. Leadership is not about the position one holds or the salary one draws, but the positive impact one creates,” he said.

Degrees were conferred on 197 candidates at the event held in Chennai.

In an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), he said, honesty would help assess true knowledge. Maintaining a balance between success and discipline was therefore important.

“No matter how many changes occur, some basics never change. Be strong in them. Don't read big books; instead, turn to the Thirukkural for inspiration—it will teach you the essentials,” Stalin said.

He added that a degree is not mere paper but a recognition of students' hard work and a key to their future, opening doors to opportunities as entrepreneurs and CEOs in Indian and multinational firms.

The Chief Minister called on graduates to strive for excellence through education and become achievers rooted in their own soil.