It was not all business and politics for GIIS students at the just concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Singapore. Many received wisdom on religion and spirituality, tips on career in the arts and advice on people management and social interaction.

“Digitality is the best medium for better relations,” said Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, vice chairman of Bharti Enterprises, India, told the students who were excited to meet the man whose company has a vision to bring India’s rural folk on board the ongoing digital revolution.

However, the students were inspired by their short interaction with Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) Mr S Iswaran who advised them to be more ‘people-centric’ in their everyday life, and keep this philosophy at the centre of all their undertakings. "His words were very inspiring," said a group of students interacting with Mr Iswaran.

Students were also awestruck by the humility and amiability displayed by celebrities and artists at the event.

Blogger and author Ashraf Patel encouraged them to be appreciative of everything around them and to keep on learning, while actor-director Satish Kaushik encouraged them to follow their dreams. "We were amazed by his (Mr Kaushik’s) positive and down-to-earth personality despite being such a huge name in the film industry," GIIS students said.

Perhaps, the most valuable life lesson came from singer, composer Sonam Kalra, whose Sufi Gospel project blends different voices of faith through music. She advised students to never lose touch with their spiritual side. "It was amazing to hear how much she believes in God, and sees the good in others,” GIIS students who spoke to her, recalled. “It was inspirational to see her break all barriers of religion to produce music she believes in."

Students took home a great experience from their interactions with the personalities, and said they felt inspired to work towards achieving success, and in the process, fulfilling their duties to the society.