Way back in 1976 he stepped out of the Lawrence School at Lovedale near here with a firm foundation and a desire to carve out a name for himself on the global stage.

Thirty-eight years later when he returned on Saturday as a force to reckon with in the global auto industry Sudhir Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, Skoda Auto India, was given a red carpet welcome by his alma mater.

The occasion was the investiture ceremony of the school for 2014-15 and Mr. Rao had been invited to participate as the chief guest.

The objective was to raise a toast for a student who had made his school proud and also showcase his success to inspire the present and future generations.

Addressing the gathering on leadership and what it takes to become a leader, Mr. Rao said that if one can’t pursue a goal with passion he or she can’t make much headway. He opined that compromises are major hurdles. He recalled the role of his teachers in making him what he was now.

Headmistress Sangita Chima pointed out that when a student achieves success in life he automatically becomes someone worthy of emulation to the generations that follow.

Mr. Rao adorned the prefects who took charge with epaulettes.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / D. Radkhkrishnan / Udhagamandalam – March 24th, 2014