Knowledge is power

Students cheered and felt a sense of accomplishment as they received their degrees during the recent graduation of over 480 students from Manipal University - Dubai. The ceremony began with some inspirational words from university authorities and Dr Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village. The speakers congratulated the students on their outstanding achievement and highlighted the crucial role knowledge and education plays in a developing society.

"Knowledge is power," said Dr H.S. Ballal, pro-chancellor of Manipal University. "The power of the pen is undeniable."

Impact of women

The increasing number of females in the UAE pursuing higher education was a key issue highlighted during the graduation, as almost every speaker noted the impact of women on society.

Echoing an African proverb, Dr Rajasekharan Warrier, vice-chancellor at Manipal University - Dubai, said: "If you educate a man you educate one individual. But if you educate a girl, you educate an entire family."

"Women are the foundation of society," said Mariam Khaled, a bachelors of business administration student. "This will give other girls the will and motivation to pursue education."

Similar views were held by male students.

"It's good to hear that the world is developing further," said Amit D. Bhatia, a graduate in information systems and management. "At this rate, no longer will males dominate the world and females will be granted equal opportunities."

Mariam added that a girl going abroad for studies is still a relatively new idea in the East, particularly in countries such as India.

"I'm actually the first girl in my family to study abroad," she said. "I can understand how difficult it must have been for my parents to send me abroad to study and I'm very thankful to have such parents."

A promising future

With their degrees in one hand and their graduation caps in the other, the young graduates left the ceremony ready to embark on a new journey towards excellence. And while most graduates dreamt of a future fuelled by persistence and filled with success, the term "excellence" held a different meaning for different students.

For Mariam, excellence was defined by her career aspirations. "One day I would like to open my own fashion boutique," she said. Asked why she didn't pursue a degree in fashion design she said: "The fashion industry is difficult to break into, so I wanted to get a stable degree first. But it's definitely something I would like to pursue later."

Meanwhile, Bhatia wants to further his education. In fact, he is already in the fourth week of his MBA.

"In today's competitive market, a master's is now the minimal requirement," he said. "It adds more value to you as a person and professionally, and opens more opportunities."

Regardless of what the future has in store, students said their graduation was definitely a day to remember.

"After three long years of hard work, it's finally paid off," said Lubna Khalam, a bachelor's of business administration graduate. "Even now as I step off the stage I'm already missing college."