“Strive to Be Strong in Body and Mind – Only Then Can You Win Life’s Battles”: IPS Vishwas Nangre Patil to Toppers.
“Be Ready for Struggles; Only if You Stay Strong—In Mind and Body—Can You Win Life’s Battles!”
IPS Vishwas Nangre-Patil’s Advice to SSC Toppers at BMC Felicitation Ceremony
Mumbai | In a motivating address to students, Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Corruption Bureau), Mr. Vishwas Nangre-Patil urged young minds to set life goals, stay focused, and avoid the distractions of the virtual world. “Be ready to struggle. If you remain mentally and physically strong, only then can you win the battle of life,” he advised.
He was speaking at the “Student-School Excellence Felicitation Ceremony” held at the Anna Bhau Sathe Auditorium in Byculla, to honour SSC toppers from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools.
Addressing the Mobile Generation
Pointing to the overwhelming influence of mobile phones and virtual addiction among today’s youth, Mr. Nangre-Patil warned students not to get trapped in this digital illusion. He encouraged them to focus on real-world ambitions, plan their studies and time effectively, and stay persistent.
His speech, filled with personal anecdotes, historic references from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Swami Vivekananda, and motivational life lessons from his journey—from schooling in Sangli’s Kokarud to preparing for the UPSC exams in Delhi—left the audience inspired.
Honouring BMC’s Brightest Minds
The March 2025 SSC Examination conducted by the Maharashtra State Board saw stellar performances from students across 248 secondary schools run by BMC. Those with the highest scores were felicitated at the ceremony, along with their schools.
Mr. Nangre-Patil commended the BMC’s recent decision to extend its scholarship scheme from five to seven years, ensuring financial support to meritorious students beyond Class 10.
Focus on Ethics and Values Too
Calling on teachers, he emphasized the need to instill moral values, ethics, and a sense of social responsibility in students. He briefly touched upon the Japanese philosophies of ‘Kaizen’ (continuous improvement) and ‘Ikigai’ (purpose of life) to underline the importance of perseverance and planning
His speech, delivered in an engaging and emotional style, won the hearts of teachers, parents, and students alike.
BMC Stands Behind All Students
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Amit Saini praised the students for their academic success, crediting consistent efforts. “Now, it is the responsibility of parents and teachers to help them soar even higher,” he said.
Dr. Saini also advised that special attention be given to academically weaker students, stressing structured study planning. He shared experiences from his time working in Kolhapur alongside Mr. Nangre-Patil.
Innovative Academic Initiatives
Primary Education Officer Rajesh Kankal, in his introductory remarks, provided an overview of various educational initiatives under BMC—such as school visits and adoption reviews, Mission Merit, mock exams, student adoption schemes, and Math Thursdays.
These initiatives, he said, were executed under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Education Dr. Prachi Jambhekar and Secondary Education Officer Sujata Khare.
Toppers Speak, Heads Honoured
Top-ranking students Akshara Verma and Nandini Yadav also shared their thoughts during the ceremony. Students were presented with mementos, certificates, and books in recognition of their achievements. Principals of high-performing schools were also honoured for their contributions.