when the endowments of the University, largely increased by private munificence, are given in part to help the successful graduate to cultivate his favorite branch of knowledge, when the University itself is more of what every University should be—"A School of Universal Learning"—where the student finds a teacher in every department of knowledge,—then we may look, and look not in vain for a contingent from India to the intellectual benefactors of humanity.
We cannot, gentlemen, accept the view "that most of you are likely to find University distinction a disadvantage rather than an advantage in after-life." You cannot, of course, all expect to get situations under Government or rise to high worldly position. But what then? "I am certain," said the great Spinoza, "that the good of human life cannot lie in the possession of things which for one man to possess is for the rest to lose, but rather in things which we can all possess alike, and where one man's wealth promotes his neighbour's." In almost every part of the immense field of human labour, from the obscure corner in which toils the manual craftsman to the arena of the enlightened statesman, the highly educated man has incalculable advantages. The outlets for his ambition are numerous and are ever increasing. The immense machinery requisite for the purposes of primary education in Southern India must be provided by the University. Without the higher education the lower becomes impossible.
Gentlemen, on you and such as you depends the future of India. Stive to be true and enlightened patriots. In the bustle of professional life you may have little time or opportunity to give much thought to the higher concerns of humanity. But use your time well, and each of you without stepping out of his way to do so will find it in his power
to increase in some degree the stock of human happiness and wisdom. The extent of the good you can accomplish will depend on your acquaintance with the momentous social changes ever going on around you, on your familiarity with the thoughts of the leading minds of the age, but mainly on your own energy of character. Never forget that your own work, however humble, forms a real part of that present from which the future is evolved. It will assuredly be your own fault if you fail to be recognized as centres of moral and intellectual life; as men who under all circumstances will stand up for what is right and true; as true and enlightened patriots who will not uphold the institutions of their country, right or wrong, but will develop to the uttermost
