Didi Krishna Kumari enthralled the young students with her keynote address at the 22nd Vidyasagar Late Principal KM Kundnani Memorial Lecture.

22^Ra Vidyasagar Late Principal KM Kundnani Memorial Lecture (popularly called KMK Lecture Series) was held at the Rama and Sundari Vatumull Auditorium of KC College yesterday. The afternoon was truly inspiring, focusing on resilience, purpose, kindness and service.

This year's keynote speaker, spiritual leader and Executive President of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Didi Krishna Kumari Ji, explored the enduring lessons of Sadhu Vaswani's life and emphasized his powerful message: “Life is a message,” aligning personal purpose. The importance of doing so was highlighted. Commitment to serve humanity.

Also present at the event were Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University, Mumbai; Colonel Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University; Shri Anil Harish, Chairman and Trustee, HSNC Board; Dr. Tejashree Shanbag, Principal, KC College; Dr. Manju Nichani, eminent educationist and Rector of Sadhu Vaswani Institute of Learning.

The program was inaugurated by Colonel Dr. Hemlata K, Vice Chancellor of HSNC University, Mumbai. Bagla's welcome address. “This lecture series is a reminder of a man who dreamed big and achieved even bigger. He was a visionary and the college flourished under his leadership. KC College has come a long way.”

Drawing parallels, he further said, “Today the dynamic Trustees of the HSNC Board are carrying forward his rich legacy and envision that the HSNC Board Colleges and University Colleges will soon be an international hub of value-based education that nurtures international students. And will be dedicated to preparing them.” Be a person of integrity and commitment. We want to bring meaningful change in their profession, their lives, the nation and the society at large.”

Dr. Bagla highlighted the special significance of the lecture, as it coincided with Gita Jayanti, the day on which Lord Krishna imparted the timeless knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Additionally, it was Ekadashi, a spiritually important day dedicated to contemplation, self-discipline, and purification.

Describing it as the most important lecture series produced and hosted by the Institute, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani shared that the lecture series strives to celebrate the spirit of learning, self-discovery and service to humanity. Shri Narayana Murthy, Founder and Chairman of Infosys, was the first distinguished speaker of this lecture series.

Over the years, Dr. R. He was followed by luminaries like A Mashalkar, Dr. Jayant Narlikar, Dr. Swati Piramal, Dr. Kiran Bedi, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Dada JP Vaswani, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Late Shri. Arun Jaitley, Late Shri Ram Jethmalani, Dr. Prakash Amte and Dr. Suhasini Amte and others. He emphasized that all types of education, from technical to formal and skill based, are important, but even more important is the essence of spirituality.

Students also need to learn love, compassion, kindness and sacrifice and that is why today's lecture is so important. He told that he had the privilege of meeting Dada JP Vaswani 20 years ago, when he was confused about some matter. As they were walking in the forecourt of the NCPA building, Dr. Hiranandani requested Dadaji for guidance on this matter. He still remembers his grandfather's words, “Whenever you face a problem, just remember one thing… Just do your duty.”

“This solved my problem because I realized that on one side there was relationship and on the other side there was duty. He said that your duty for the purposes of the organization is supreme. He said to leave all your relationships as duty and commitment are more important. I was a staunch non-vegetarian till then… after a few months I became a vegetarian… just out of respect for Dadaji,” he revealed.

In his presidential address, Shri Anil Harish said that the lecture series is more than just an event…it is a celebration of the values, vision and dedication of late Principal KM Kundnani. His unwavering belief in the power of education has shaped not only the institutions of HSNC Board but also the lives of countless people. He turned challenges into opportunities. Quoting Nelson Mandela, Mr. Harish said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. This was also the purpose of Principal Kundnani's life and his legacy continues to inspire us to move beyond academics and create institutions that nurture character, compassion and community while spreading hope and healing. In this age of instant gratification, the Dada Vaswani Mission with its eternal message of love, service and forgiveness inspires us to align our actions with higher values ​​and return to the essentials – kindness, attentiveness and simplicity. ''

It was a heartfelt homecoming of sorts for Dr Manju Nichani, who retired as Principal of KC College. During her speech she went down memory lane and shared happy memories. Vidyasagar Late Principal KM Kundnani Memorial Lecture Series started during his tenure as Principal in 2004.

When Didi Krishna Kumari Ji was three years old, she came to live in Sadhu Vaswani Mission. She grew up as a devotee and disciple of gurus Sadhu Vaswani and Dada JP Vaswani. Helping people move from chaos to stability – and find happiness – was at the core of their conversation. He said, most of us are looking for happiness in the wrong place.

Pencil analogy for life:

Drawing a practical analogy with a pencil, Didi beautifully highlights how a simple, everyday object can teach us profound lessons about life. Like a pencil, which is used to write, erase and make marks, our lives are also full of opportunities to create, improve and leave a positive impact.

By looking at the characteristics of the pencil, he encourages us to understand that, like the pencil, we must learn to make the most of both its strengths and its ability to correct our mistakes. The pencil also reminds us of the importance of keeping our “sharpness” – our skills and qualities – under control and being humble enough to always be open to improvement.

The pencil eraser represents the idea of ​​forgiving yourself and others for past mistakes and learning to start fresh. By considering these simple, yet powerful lessons, we can develop a positive and grounded outlook on life, cultivating resilience, growth, and kindness in our daily interactions.

Just as the pencil is merely a tool, we too are capable of achieving great things, but it is essential to acknowledge that we are guided by a higher power. The hand that holds the pencil and guides it in the right direction symbolizes God's guidance in our lives. Although we may work hard and strive to make our mark in the world, it is God's will that ultimately shapes our path and gives purpose to our actions.

A realistic person strives to achieve his objectives and at the same time understands that God is the prime mover and reason behind all causes. So he is able to do his best and leave the results in God's hands, because he knows that there are many things beyond his capabilities.

He recommended spending a few minutes in silence every day, ideally some time in the morning, to meditate. “Start your day with silence – silence heals, energizes and uplifts. Silence makes change. A quiet walk in a park is all that is needed. But leave the headphones and step-counter at home.” She says, to connect you must first disconnect. He conducted a short 7-minute meditation session through simple visualizations and affirmations and attendees emerged refreshed and energized.

He explained, every problem comes to teach us a lesson. Citing powerful anecdotes, he encouraged attendees to nurture the interconnected aspects of body, mind and spirit to live a fulfilling life. Her challenge to “be a beacon of light for others” resonated deeply with audiences, inspiring them to embrace their inner purpose and make a positive impact on those around them.

Vidyasagar Late Principal KM Kundnani Memorial Lecture Series KC is the college's flagship program in which students and staff interact with stalwarts from all walks of life and gain insights from their life experiences. Held in honor of the late KM Kundnani, the founding Principal of KC College and renowned educationist, who was also the founding Secretary and Chairman of the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board (H(S)NCB) and left a lasting impact, the event gathered. Invited attendees to reflect deeply on how to live a meaningful life. His memory continues to inspire others, inspiring all who have been inspired to live with intention and purpose.