GIIS Tokyo invited a distinguished personality, Dr R. Seetharaman – Chief Executive Officer at Doha Bank Group and his wife, Mrs. Seetharaman, for a guest lecture programme on October 15, 2012.

Dr. Seetharaman has made an outstanding contribution to society in the field of banking, knowledge management, corporate social responsibility and governance. His strategic business model initiatives include his vision towards globalization through opening of full-fledged cross border branch operations in Dubai and Kuwait and representative offices in Singapore, Japan, Turkey, China, Romania, South Korea and United Kingdom.

Dr. Seetharaman is also a recipient of various prestigious awards in appreciation of his unique and valuable contribution including the HonorisCausa Doctorate Degree from the European University, Geneva and HonorisCausa Doctorate Degree from Washington College, Washington. He also received the International Indian of the Year award by the government of India for his contributions to global economics in 2012.

At the guest lecture, Dr. Seetharaman spoke of his humble beginning in life and advised the students to set a goal in life and aim high. He mentioned the famous classical Greek Athenian philosopher, Socrates and gave examples from his life. He stressed for the students to have a drive and determination in life. Giving further examples of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Seetharaman advised the students to aspire high and be determined in life, no matter how the circumstances are. Struggle, character and commitment, he said, are important to achieve good things in life.

The lecture concluded with an interesting question and answer session where many students and teachers asked Dr. Seetharaman some questions.

Rahul Deshpande of Grade 8 asked Dr. Seetharaman about what he felt to be the most important aspect of his career. Dr. Seetharaman reiterated the importance of humility and desire for knowledge to be the most important aspects.

Mayuri of Grade 7 asked Dr. Seetharaman about what other attributes other than character, commitment and struggle does he think are also important in a human being’s life.

Dr. Seetharaman said that a person’s attitude and contribution towards the society are also integral to a person’s overall growth. GIIS Tokyo primary teacher, Ms. Sreevidya requested Dr. Seetharaman to define ‘truth’ in his own words and Head of Department - Mathematics, Ms. ManjinderNagra requested Dr. Seetharaman to advise the students about the importance of Mathematics in our life.