Nahvin Muthusamy, a remarkable 23-year-old individual, captivated and inspired the community with a profound and impactful speech delivered during his convocation ceremony. Nahvin has completed his Degree in Bachelors Of Computer Science at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka(UTeM). Distinguished among his peers, Nahvin Muthusamy has achieved the prestigious Royal Education Award with CGPA of 3.89, a testament to his extraordinary academic prowess and exceptional performance throughout his university journey. He has consistently earned Dean’s List in every semester and has been honored with two Student Appreciation Awards.
Nahvin was the Vice President 3 of Students Representative Council(SRC) 2022 of UTeM and President of Artificial Intelligence(AI) Club in the year of 2022. He was also the Manager of Suara Siswa UTeM 2022.
Hailing from Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, Nahvin’s father Mr Muthusamy has been a stroke patient for the past five years. His mother, Madam Vasuntha Devi, works as a rubber tapper and has been the sole provider for the family for an extended period. Nahvin also has a younger sister named Priayanga.
“Without her efforts and sacrifices, I definitely would not be here. Growing up, I used to ask for toys that my neighbors were playing with, but my mom could not afford them. However, she taught me a lesson that I carry with me to this day: ‘Life is not fair. You cannot have everything that someone else has. But if you work hard, then you can change it.’ And I never stopped working hard.”, Nahvin shared with Varnam Malaysia.
Nahvin Muthusamy delivered a poignant address at his convocation ceremony that resonated deeply with the Indian community. In his speech, he addressed the implementation of quota system in Malaysian universities, expressing concerns about its impact on the selection process of students to higher institutions. Nahvin shared that the factor that contributed to his achievement was his mom’s words.
My mother’s wisdom resonates deeply with me. It’s evident that many aspects of life in Malaysia are unjust. Despite being raised to accept this without resistance, I’ve chosen a different path. Instead of passivity, I prefer attempting to make a difference, even if it means facing failure. The true defeat lies in ceasing efforts, and I am determined not to stop.
Expressing opinions without credentials often leads to dismissal. To ensure my voice is heard, I recognized the need to establish value. For me, that value lies in education. As my mother wisely asserted, life may not be fair, but through diligence, change is possible. This vision has propelled me to where I am today.
During his convocation ceremony, Nahvin shared a story about his secondary school friend who was far more talented and intelligent than Nahvin. Earning only one ‘A’ lower than Nahvin in the SPM exam, the friend missed a spot in matriculation, leaving him shattered and disheartened. Feeling inadequately qualified and incapable, he descended into a deep sense of despair, convinced that this setback marked the end of the world for him.
Upon entering Matriculation, Nahvin was astonished to discover students with results lower than his friend’s. The revelation took a sad turn when Nahvin disclosed that his friend has passed away. He expressed certainty that had his friend been granted the matriculation opportunity, he would have been the one receiving accolades and standing in Nahvin’s place today.
Despite the tragic loss of his friend, Nahvin passionately implored the government to ensure equal opportunities for students, regardless of their racial backgrounds. He requested for a system that recognizes and rewards genuine capability and merit, emphasizing that education should be accessible to every deserving individual, free from considerations of family and racial backgrounds. Nahvin’s request echoes the broader aspiration for an inclusive educational environment that fosters meritocracy and equal access for all.
Meritocracy should be applied while choosing the students to continue their higher educations in every institutions not the quota system which separates us. With the implementation of meritocracy system, whoever is eligible would be offered to continue their studies. Through relentless effort and dedication, I’ve earned the privilege of standing here today, representing the voice of the minority. I share this message on stage with the hope that the Ministry of Higher Education will hear this, aspiring for a Malaysia that just equal for all.
Meritocracy is a system where advancement is based on individual merit, skills, and accomplishments rather than factors like socio-economic background or ethnicity.
Nahvin ended his speech with the acclaimed quote of the legendary Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam,
Namathu pirappu oru sambavamaage irukalaam,
aanaal irappu oru sarithiramaage iruke vendum
Nahvin’s courage in addressing this issue on stage deserves applause. This exceptional young talent has brought a crucial matter to the forefront.
“My mom worked tirelessly, sacrificing much, and I simply want to make her proud, making her sacrifices worthwhile. Many mothers share similar hopes, but not everyone attains success. My presence here is partly due to luck, acknowledging that not everyone is fortunate. However, luck should play no role in education. Through diligent study, one should rightfully earn their place. Education ought to be a beacon of equality, transcending race, religion, and social background. Let’s prioritize meritocracy over divisive quotas, fostering unity in our educational system. I firmly believe in that. I have witnessed how unfairness in education can result in the loss of potential students in Malaysia.
Let my friend’s experience be the end of such injustices and the beginning of a better future.
I dared to express what was considered unspeakable, even if it meant courting controversy, because I believe in a greater cause. While speaking out alone might subject me to swift suppression, together, our collective voices become an undeniable force they cannot easily silence. Let’s unite and make our voices heard.”, Nahvin shared with Varnam Malaysia.
Nahvin’s impassioned advocacy for equal educational opportunities and meritocracy serves as a beacon of inspiration. Congratulations to him on receiving the Royal Education Award!
Source: All the information ad images received from Nahvin Muthusamy
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