26/09/2026
This is the oldest graduation speech in the world. It is about 2,500 years old. It is called Samavartana. The returning.
After twelve or more years living with a teacher in the forest, learning by heart, tending fires, fetching wood, memorizing verses, the students have finished. They are about to become householders. They will get married, work, enter the world. They stand at the gate with their bundles.
The teacher does not give them a degree. He gives them an order for life.
It is in Taittiriya Upanishad, chapter 1.11. The Acharya says to them:
Satyam vada. Speak the truth.
Dharmam cara. Live by dharma.
Do not neglect study. Do not neglect truth. Do not neglect your duties.
Then he makes it personal.
Matr devo bhava. Let your mother be as a god to you.
Pitr devo bhava. Let your father be as a god to you.
Acharya devo bhava. Let your teacher be as a god to you.
Atithi devo bhava. Let your guest be as a god to you.
This last line is the one you have seen at every airport in India. Atithi Devo Bhava. India's tourism slogan comes from this ancient educational institution.
Then he says something startling for a scripture. He says, I am human. I have done good things and I have made mistakes. Follow only my good deeds.
Yany asmakam sucaritani, tani tvayopasyani, no itarani. Whatever good conduct we have, you should follow. Not the other things.
And finally: Whatever wise people you meet in the world, who are more learned than us, you should learn from them too. Do not think your education is finished.
There is no mention of salary, success, or conquering the world. The whole speech is about conduct. Truth, duty, gratitude, hospitality, humility, and lifelong learning.
Source: Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11: the Samavartana, the teacher's final charge to departing students after completion of studies: "satyam vada, dharmam cara… matrdevo bhava, pitrdevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava, atithidevo bhava… yany asmakam sucaritani, tani tvayopasyani, no itarani."