22/07/2026
Very honoured.
Today I had the privilege of returning to to receive an Alumni Achievement Award and deliver a keynote address at the graduation ceremony for the class of 2026.
Though I am very involved as an Alumni Fellow, returning to the University where I completed my M.A in Investigative Journalism in 1998 in this capacity brought back many memories. Looking back, it didn't just prepare me for a career, it helped me find the confidence to trust my own path.
And that's really the one simple message I wanted to leave with the graduates today.
Back yourself. Stay open. And allow your path to evolve.
You don't need to have everything figured out. Keep learning, stay curious and trust that your path will unfold.
I ended my speech with a simple affirmation I first learnt in India. I asked the audience to join me in pausing with three deep breaths, place hands on heart and quietly repeat: " I am what I am. "
Congratulations to every graduate and my sincere thanks to everyone at Nottingham Trent University , especially David Woolley and the Alumni Relations team for their continued encouragement and my guests, Mamma Passi and Maneeshka Passi.