Expectations of and from young citizens - An Interactive Session with Mr. Derek O' Brien

On August 16, 2022, the College hosted Honourable member of the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Derek O’Brien for an informative and invigorating session pertaining to The Expectations of and From Young Citizens. The event was attended by Second year students of the College and streamed online for students of Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Nirmala College, Ranchi and Patna Women's College. Right at the outset of the event, Mr. O'Brien asked the students about their perspectives on the idea of success, leaving them to ponder upon the very recipe for success in life. After allowing students to share their perspectives, Mr. O'Brien arrived at the conclusion, that failure indeed, should be looked upon as a glorious stepping stone rather than an impediment. He unabashedly acknowledged his own personal failures to set an example for the audience and addressed the fact that the youth of the present should be well equipped to deal with failure. By quoting Michael Jordan and his approach towards defeat, he ended the first half of the session. In the second half of the session, Mr. O'Brien enlightened the audience on the challenges in sustaining interpersonal relationships. He implored one and all in the audience, to not be preoccupied by the celebration of privileges at their disposal, to not make their lives an 'island' but be politically aware, to gain a better understanding of the world. The session concluded with a round of questions from the audience and Mr. O’brien’s generous gift to the students in attendance- a copy of his book Inside Parliament for each student.