You may be in a medical or engineering college, but not all will

Hear, O seekers of truth, the words of Anupam Kher, who declared with clarity: “You may be in a medical or engineering college, but not all will stand first in class. It depends on who studies the most.” In this simple utterance lies a deep fountain of wisdom, for it teaches that destiny is not written in the grandeur of one’s institution nor in the titles of study, but in the sweat of effort, the patience of discipline, and the fire of perseverance.

The meaning of these words is plain yet powerful. Many believe that by entering a great college, or by being surrounded by the brilliant, greatness itself shall fall upon them. But Kher reminds us that even in the hallowed halls of learning, only those who toil relentlessly shall rise to the highest ranks. The laurels of success are not granted by mere presence, nor by noble intent, but by the labor of study. Knowledge is a mountain, and though many gather at its base, only those who climb with steady steps, day after day, reach its shining peak.

Consider, my children, the tale of Thomas Edison, the great inventor. He was not born in privilege, nor trained in the grandest schools. Yet he pursued his studies with relentless fervor, testing and failing, burning through thousands of experiments before creating the light that would transform the world. He himself once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” His story echoes Kher’s words: not all who enter the workshop of learning will become masters, but those who endure in effort shall carve their names into eternity.

The origin of Kher’s insight comes from the ancient rhythm of life itself. Across cultures and centuries, sages have proclaimed that diligence is the key that unlocks destiny. The warriors of Sparta did not become feared by merely being born in Sparta; they became legends through ceaseless training from childhood. Likewise, the monks of Nalanda were not revered for simply entering the monastery, but for their long hours of study, prayer, and debate that honed both mind and spirit. So too in modern halls of medicine and engineering: the crown is won not by the entrance, but by the effort within.

Yet let us not mistake his words as harshness or despair. To say that success depends on who studies the most is not to deny talent, but to remind us that talent without labor is like a sword left in its sheath—untested, unused, and eventually rusting away. Diligence is the forge that tempers talent into greatness. Even the naturally gifted must sharpen their skills, lest they be surpassed by the humble but hardworking soul who studies in silence when others rest.

The lesson for us is clear: do not rely solely on the name of your college, the prestige of your profession, or the talents you were born with. Rely instead on the steady habit of discipline, the unglamorous but noble work of study, of practice, of effort repeated until mastery is born. For in every class, in every generation, the crown of “first” is not given—it is earned, day by day, hour by hour, page by page.

Practical action lies before you: rise early, set aside time for study each day, and let no distraction steal the treasure of your focus. Build strength in small steps, for great victories are built of many quiet labors. Compete not with others, but with yourself, striving to be stronger today than yesterday. And above all, remember that true victory is not only in standing first in class, but in mastering yourself, so that when the world calls upon you, you are prepared.

Thus, O children of learning, let Kher’s words echo in your hearts: success belongs not to the place you are in, but to the effort you put forth. Walk therefore in diligence, and you shall rise—not only to first place in class, but to the high honor of fulfilling your destiny. For the hands that study with persistence shall one day shape the world with power.