Distinguished guest esteem graduate faculty members and guests,

It is a great honor for me to be here today sharing in this significant moment of your lives. As I stand before you I am reminded of the deep connections that bind us all -our shared commitment to serve others and make a positive impact in the world.

Counselling is not just about addressing mental illness it’s about being there for people when they need support the most. it’s about helping them navigate through difficult times and guiding them towards a place of peace and well-being .This is why your work as a counsellor is so vital and why I hold such deep respect for the path you’ve chosen.

My own family has a long history in the field of medicine and from a young age the importance of caring for others was installed in us. However it wasn’t until my daughter Indira’s battle with cancer that I truly understood the profound role that counselling and emotional support play in Healing, watching her face in the challenges of her illness I saw firsthand how essential it is for individuals to have someone to turn to someone who can provide not just advice but genuine care and Understanding.

In 2016 when I was at the hospital in London by her bedside ,holding her hand with our entire family around her for nearly a week while she was unconscious, I witnessed the incredible support of a dedicated team .This team including doctors, nurses ,social workers, religious leaders and of course counselors. They not only cared for my daughter but also provided immense support to our family as we faced the situation. my daughter was well looked after she was comfortable pain-free and spared any unnecessary procedures. She was surrounded by her loved ones and had a peaceful dignified end.

It was this experience that led us to establish the Indira Cancer Trust in her name, just two weeks after her passing. our mission is to provide the same kind of support to patients and their families because the mind plays such a crucial role in the journey of healing. As one quote beautifully puts it ‘the body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heels with Joy”.

As you receive this diploma and step into the world of counsellors, you are entering a profession where your actions and decisions will have a profound impact on the lives of others. In this role you will be dedicated to enhancing human development throughout life, honoring the diversity of experiences and embracing the multicultural approach that values the worth, dignity and uniqueness of every individual.

Your work will contribute to promoting social justice, ensuring that your efforts help build a fair and just society. You will safeguard the counselor-client relationship by practicing with competence ethics and a deep respect for the autonomy of those you serve. Your role will require you to avoid actions that cause harm and instead work for the good of individuals and society by promoting mental health and well-being .In all your interactions ,you will treat everyone you encounter with fairness and equality, honoring your commitment and maintaining trust in your professional relationships .Finally you will approach your work with honesty and integrity ,always striving to do what is right.

These are not just ideas to aspire to; they are the principles that will guide you through the challenges and triumphs of your career, reminding you of the immense responsibility you carry as a counsellor and the significant difference you can make in the lives of others.

As members of the global Institute of counselling professionals, you are joining an organisation dedicated to providing you with a strong foundation, enabling you to continue your work with dedication and dignity.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement and may you continue to inspire hope and contribute to the well-being of all those you touch

Thank you