Failures teach more than success: Kamal at VIT meet

The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Chennai campus, located on the Vandalur–Kelambakkam Road, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a grand alumni reunion on Friday. The event brought together former students who are now working across the globe, making the institution proud.

The program was presided over by VIT Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, with Vice President Sankar Viswanathan and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Sekar Viswanathan in attendance. Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. V. Raju welcomed the gathering.

Actor, politician, and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan was the chief guest at the event. Addressing the alumni and students, he reflected on both personal and national challenges:

“Since Independence, can we really say we have succeeded in everything? We have failed in eradicating caste and religious divisions. Even in my career, I have faced failures. I have no hesitation in admitting it. But every failure has taught me something new. Learning from setbacks is what ultimately shapes success,” Haasan said.

He praised VIT alumni for carrying the institution’s name to international platforms:

“Your achievements abroad bring pride to India and to this institution. Remember, arrogance or pride is not worthy of worship—our mother tongue deserves our reverence. True courage lies in non-violence.”

Speaking on philosophy, Haasan clarified his stance:

“The word ‘atheism’ itself was given by believers. I am not an atheist; I am a rationalist. Rationalism is rooted in knowledge and inquiry.”

The Makkal Needhi Maiam leader also interacted with students in a lively Q&A session.

Earlier, Chancellor Viswanathan highlighted the university’s growth: “When we started in 2010, we had 608 students. Today, we have more than 23,000. Yet, India still lags behind global standards in higher education enrollment. While Tamil Nadu allocates 21% of its revenue to education, the Union government sets aside only 2% of its total budget for the sector. On top of that, GST is being levied on educational institutions.”

He urged Kamal Haasan, as a member of the Rajya Sabha, to raise the issue of enhanced funding for higher education in Parliament.

The event concluded with celebrations of VIT’s milestones and recognition of alumni achievements worldwide.