What Malaysian students can learn from Rajinikanth

A young student at AIMST University once asked if Rajinikanth had attended university. The seasoned educator, Datuk P Kamalanathan, smiled and recounted Rajini's humble beginnings. Born in a Kannada-medium school, he began his career as a coolie, carpenter and bus conductor in Bangalore before enrolling in a film institute at the age of 25. Even at 74, Rajinikanth continues to break box-office records, demonstrating the importance of learning agility, discipline, humility, reinvention, and doing well while doing good.

First, learning agility surpasses formal qualifications. Despite having no degree, Rajini embraced continuous learning, mastering various skills such as stage plays, Hindi for Andha Kanoon, and motion capture for Enthiran. In today's world, Swiss CEOs demonstrate this principle by possessing multiple micro-credentials in AI, proving that lifelong learning is the key to success.

Second, discipline is the foundation of education. Rajini was the first to arrive and the last to leave, consistently turning up for work with unwavering dedication. In Malaysia, students often struggle with waking up early, leading to academic failure. Establishing discipline, akin to a Bangalore bus conductor's punctuality, is the first step towards academic excellence.

Third, humility is a crucial aspect of recognition and human dignity. Despite his immense popularity, Rajini remains humble, treating elders with respect and acknowledging that he is a small child of K Balachander. This humility serves as a reminder to Malaysian students that education should not be pursued for personal gain, but rather to uplift the dignity of humanity.

Fourth, reinvention is essential in the age of artificial intelligence. At 74, Rajini is learning AI filmmaking for his upcoming film, Jailer 2. Malaysian students can emulate Rajini's adaptability by acquiring Google AI certifications, which are available for free in Selangor through UNITAR.

Fifth, Rajini's philosophy of giving back to society is a lesson Malaysians should follow. He famously stated, "Money comes, goes. Give." By contributing to society, Rajini has built lasting foundations for his continued success. Malaysian students should also emulate this principle by engaging in sustainable practices, ensuring their careers remain relevant and impactful.

In conclusion, while Rajini's style may not be suitable for emulation, his principles of discipline, humility, reinvention, and giving back can guide Malaysian students in finding their unique paths to success. On Deepavali, let us celebrate Rajini's accomplishments and use his lessons to shape the future of Malaysian education.