Obama's speech to Class of 2020 inspires Kalaari Capital MD; Vani Kola reiterates 3 words of wisdom

NEW DELHI: This uncertain world needs inspirational leaders we can count on as every one is looking for ways to fight to the coronavirus outbreak.

On Sunday, former US President Barack Obama sent out a motivational message to the Class of 2020 that was graduating this year without the grand celebration. In a seven-minute-long video aimed at keeping the morale of the students high, he said that most of them might not be missing a lot, with their graduation in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.



Calling Obama's speech empathetic, thoughtful and inspiring, Kalaari Capital MD Vani Kola decided to share the key learning from his virtual announcement which stressed on the importance of this generation: 'This is your generation's world to shape'.

Picking notes from Obama's speech, she said that Covid-19 is causing unprecedented challenges. The well-off families are dealing with massive uncertainty, while those who were struggling before are now hanging by a thread. She stressed that this generation will need to grow up faster than previous generations.


The 56-year-old venture capitalist said that the responsibility lies on the shoulders of this generation to make the world better. "It doesn't matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry & sick," she reiterated from Obama's speech.


Kola also jotted down the three, key parting words of advice by the world leader.

1. Don't be afraid: We have seen tough times before, and each time, we came out stronger because the new generation learnt from past mistake and made things better.
2. Do what is right: Ground yourself in values that last like fairness, responsibility, hard work, honesty, generosity and respect for others.
3. Build a community: Create a world where everyone has equal opportunities. Don't be cynical, but understand that we can get through this by being together.