Verma student speech: The sacred number seven embodied in EMBA Mumbai batch seven

Commander Rahul Verma, EMBA Mumbai 2023, is an active-duty aviator in the Indian Navy with more than 4,000 hours of flight experience in helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. He serves as director of innovation at India’s Naval Headquarters in New Delhi. Verma delivered the student address to his colleagues from EMBA Mumbai batch seven at the graduation recognition ceremony on June 24, 2023.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, distinguished guests and my fellow graduates of the EMBA course at Olin Business School in St. Louis.

Today, we gather here to celebrate the culmination of our relentless pursuit of knowledge, personal growth and professional excellence. It is a stupendous honor and privilege to stand before you as the student president of this extraordinary EMBA class. Allow me to extend a warm welcome with a round of applause to all those who have supported us throughout this challenging yet rewarding journey including our parents, spouses, children and others.

Thank you!

As business leaders, we have witnessed firsthand the trials and tribulations that come with navigating the complex landscape of the corporate world. We have confronted adversity head-on, never shying away from the difficult decisions that define true leadership. Now, armed with the invaluable lessons we have learned here at Olin, we are ready to embark on a new chapter in our lives.

Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote resonates deeply with our EMBA class. We have experienced triumphs and setbacks, but what sets us apart is our unwavering resilience. We understand that success is not an endpoint but a continuous journey of growth and improvement. We have, within our cohort, entrepreneurs, who inspired by the teaching have not only started new companies but also already won government and corporate contracts in this short duration of time.

There are businessmen and women within our cohort who have taken their companies to a higher pedestal while implementing whatever we learned. There are a few who have created a whole new EMBA program, taking the quote “Imitation is the best form of flattery” to a whole new level.

Throughout our time at Olin, we have been inspired by remarkable leaders who have left an indelible mark on the business world. From Warren Buffett’s financial acumen to Sheryl Sandberg’s advocacy for gender equality, we have been exposed to a treasure trove of wisdom through various case studies. As we embark on our own professional endeavors, let us remember the words of Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Our investment in education will undoubtedly yield extraordinary dividends throughout our careers.

However, let us not forget the importance of balance in our pursuit of success. As leaders, we often find ourselves consumed by our professional aspirations, neglecting our personal lives and relationships. But as Lily Tomlin once said, “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” Let us cherish the moments spent with our loved ones, for they provide us with the strength and support needed to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

As we venture into the world beyond these hallowed halls, we must remember that success is not solely measured by wealth or position. True success lies in making a positive impact on the lives of others. Let us embrace the words of Maya Angelou, who said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As leaders, it is our responsibility to uplift and inspire those around us, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the boardroom.

One of the key lessons we have learned at Olin is the power of collaboration. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to work harmoniously with diverse teams is paramount. Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Let us foster a spirit of collaboration, recognizing that our collective efforts will propel us to heights we could never achieve alone.

Seven is a sacred number representing the union of divinity (number three) and earth (number four). The meaning of seven reminds us that there is symmetry, reason and order within the structure of the universe. Scholars say it denotes completeness or perfection. Japanese mythology has seven gods of fortune responsible for good health, long life, happiness, knowledge, wealth, warriors and fishermen. In Buddhism, the newborn Buddha rose to his feet and took seven steps. According to the Talmud in Judaism, the universe is made of seven heavens.

The Qur’an begins with seven verses in the first chapter. Islam teaches about the Seven Heavens and Seven Gates of Hell, and devout Muslims on the Hajj (holy pilgrimage) walk seven times around the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest and most sacred site in Islam.

The number seven also holds special significance in Hinduism too. In the Rigveda, the earliest book of the Vedas, there are seven heavenly fortresses, seven rays of the sun, seven seasons, seven Adityas (benevolent gods), seven races of men and seven parts of the world. Surya, the Hindu sun god, rode a golden chariot across the sky led by seven horses.

During a Hindu wedding ceremony, the groom and bride walk around a sacred fire seven times and then walk seven steps together. Thank you, late Professor Radhakrishnan Gopalan, Niyati Parikh and our CEO Gopal Shukla for creating this rare, diverse and strong team of leaders from business and military.

As Professor Sapar Narayan Rao had coined our motto/slogan during the induction program—“Hum 7 Saath Hai”—the cohort has proved that we are one for all, all for one. We have heard about seven wonders of the world, seven notes of a scale, seven continents, seven days in a week, I’m damn sure that the world will remember us as the cohort seven.

Let’s hear a round of applause for Aishwarya to portraying the poem—which showcased my words, but they represent the feelings of each and every one of us.

Graduation is not just a milestone. It is a call to action. We are the change-makers, the trailblazers and the visionaries of the future. As we step out into the world, let us embody the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Let us lead with integrity, empathy and a deep commitment to ethical business practices.

In the end, my fellow graduates, as we bid farewell to two great institutions, let us reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken. We have laughed, we have struggled, and we have grown together. I am immensely proud of each and every one of you, and I have no doubt that the future holds boundless opportunities for us.

Thank you.