Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/483

 graduates of this University have placed themselves at the head of the movement for reform. The matter is undergoing discussion and examination and time, which finally determines the result of examinations and discussions, seems to have already taken part with the innovators. Many other questions will, no doubt, engage your attention from time to time as you advance in life. If you take the part which, from your education and antecedents, may be expected, you will have numerous opportunities of rendering valuable services to your countrymen, many of whom will be glad to be guided by your counsel and example. A group of earnest, educated, high-minded men working in union for the advancement of the people and enforcing upon all classes prudence, thrift, uprightness and fair dealing in the conduct of their affairs, would exercise an influence for good upon the people beyond what is possible, I believe, in most other countries by like means. Some of you will probably, in the course of time, attain to positions of power and influence; as your power extends so will your responsibilities. If your lives are pure and your aims lofty, you will find not only admirers but imitators; and you will thus contribute to raise the general standard of morality and civilization. Such of you as may not be destined to keep pace with your contemporaries in the race for distinction will nevertheless be called upon to discharge honourable and useful functions, and a good example set by you is not likely to be disregarded. Some of you will probably devote yourselves to the education of youth,—an occupation which demands the highest qualifications and the successful exercise of which will be attended with feelings of satisfaction and pleasure exceeding those to be derived from most other callings. Many of your predecessors, past graduates of this University, have, I believe, amply fulfilled the expectations which had been formed respecting them. The improvements in the social, economical and political condition of the people which have taken place during the last twenty years may, to some extent at least, be traced to their labours. Some of them have given much time, sometimes snatched from professional and official work, to the discharge of Municipal and other local duties, and a still greater number have taken a creditable part in social movements designed to promote the general happiness. Many of them have, directly and indirectly, contributed to the formation of a public opinion which is, on the whole, directed to moderate, wise and wholesome purposes. But a vast deal remains to be done to improve the condition of the people. To accomplish this, railways and other means of communication will