Page:The Message and Ministrations of Dewan Bahadur R. Venkata Ratnam, volume 3.djvu/66

 to produce her jewels, a noble Roman matron introduced her beloved sons with words of the purest wisdom and love, ‘these are my jewels'. You are the latest—the freshest and brightest—jewels of the motherland; the youngest and, therefore, the dearest daughters and sons of Bharatamata. Unto you is richly due, and is hereby heartily accorded, all the prayerful joy, all the hopeful felicitation, befitting this auspicious hour. If the true wealth of a country consists in the numerical strength and the moral soundness of the educated section, the Convocation of the University is the annual presentation of the treasure-trove of South India for the appreciation of her well-wishers. This day is your ‘Day’; we rejoice with you; we render our thanks for you. The field of culture is world-wide; the domain of character is universal. To wish you well is to wish well of the whole country, indeed, of the entire race. This inspiring ceremony is significant of several noteworthy ideas and sentiments. It testifies to the lasting interest taken by the community in liberal education. It betokens the sympathy and the goodwill shown by all