Hyderabad: Telangana Minister for Minority Welfare and Public Sector Enterprises Mohammed Azharuddin on Saturday urged students to dream big, work hard and uphold strong values during a visit to Telangana Public School (TPS) at Arutla.
The Mohammed Azharuddin students interaction lasted for more than three hours as the former India cricket captain met students, teachers and school management. He inspected academic and residential facilities, played cricket with students, signed autographs and encouraged them to pursue excellence in education, sports and life.
The minister received a warm welcome from the school principal, Additional District Collector, public representatives, education department officials, teachers, staff and students.
During the visit, Azharuddin inspected classrooms, laboratories, hostels, dining halls, sports grounds, sanitation facilities, drinking water arrangements, cricket practice nets, basketball courts and volleyball courts.
Mohammed Azharuddin students interaction at TPS
Addressing students and teachers, Azharuddin thanked the school management, principal, teachers, officials and staff for their warm reception. He appreciated their efforts to provide quality education to children.
He said the Telangana government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, had developed modern educational institutions with high-quality academic and sports infrastructure. He urged students to make full use of world-class classrooms, experienced teachers and sports facilities available to them.
Recalling his childhood, Azharuddin said his school had only a small playground. However, he said discipline, dedication and hard work enabled him to achieve success. He stressed that determination and perseverance mattered more than infrastructure.
The minister said previous generations achieved success despite limited resources. Therefore, he urged today’s students to make the best use of the opportunities created by the government.
Mohammed Azharuddin students urged to value discipline
Azharuddin described passion as the foundation of success. He said discipline, commitment and continuous practice were essential for achieving excellence in academics, sports or any other profession.
He encouraged students to aim for careers as doctors, engineers, scientists, civil servants, teachers, principals, sportspersons, leaders or any profession of their choice.
The minister highlighted the important role of teachers in shaping students’ futures. He advised students to respect their teachers, ask questions without hesitation and continue learning throughout life.
He also urged students to respect parents, teachers, staff and fellow students. According to him, humility and respect help individuals achieve greater success.
Sharing his own journey, Azharuddin said his teachers played a vital role in helping him become an international cricketer by teaching discipline, good behaviour, communication skills and respect for others.
He encouraged students to identify and develop their talents through continuous practice. He added that setbacks should never weaken confidence because every failure becomes the foundation for future success.
Azharuddin said the values learned from primary school to Class 10 remained with individuals throughout life. He advised students to cultivate good habits, meaningful friendships and strong moral values.
He also called on boys and girls to study with equal dedication, respect one another and become responsible citizens who would make their parents, Telangana and the nation proud.
After the address, Azharuddin joined students for a friendly cricket session and shared batting and fielding tips drawn from his international career. Hundreds of students interacted with him, sought guidance on education, sports and career goals, received autographs on cricket bats, T-shirts and notebooks, and posed for photographs.
Students and teachers described the minister’s visit as a memorable experience, saying his interaction inspired them to pursue education, sports and life with discipline, honesty and dedication.