Nobel Peace laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has termed the youth of today as the most powerful generation in human history, who can make the impossible possible and create a new world.
“Get ready to make all the impossible possible. You can create a new world, which no other generation could do, because you are supermen, and superwomen,” he said.
He was addressing the convocation of Glasgow Caledonian University where he is the chancellor.
The Grameen Bank founder handed over graduation caps to 2,200 students at the university’s graduation ceremony last week, according to a statement from Yunus Centre in Dhaka.
In his speech, Prof Yunus congratulated the graduates and their parents, who were present at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre where the ceremony took place.
“I must remind you that you are the most powerful young generation in human history.
You are powerful because you have the most amazing technologies at your command, which no other generation could even dream of.”
The banker to the poor urged the graduates to utilise their potential for the greater cause of humanity.
“Make sure you know that you are different from all other generations. Make sure you use that power. If you don’t, it will all be wasted. Make sure you use it for grand purposes, not squander it away for silly purposes.”
The university also recognised model, actress and social entrepreneur Lily Cole and Olympic athlete Katherine Grainger with honorary doctorates.
Cole was recognised for her outstanding contribution to humanitarian and environmental causes.
Inspired by the work of Prof Yunus, the model-turned-philanthropist launched her self-funded social media platform — impossible.com — which was designed to encourage users to help each other for free.
“I am honoured to have been offered this distinction by Glasgow Caledonian University, especially as I have great admiration for the work of Prof Yunus,” Cole told The Glasgow Evening Times.
“I have set up several businesses as social businesses and I am a great believer that the power of business should be used for good.”
Grainger was recognised and honoured for her outstanding contribution in the field of sport and her public services and work with charity.
In addition, Games Designer Richard Lemarchand was awarded with a Degree of Doctor of Technology.
Actress Phyllida Law, Professor Anne Glover and businessman Brian Duffy were also honoured.
Source: The Daily Star
