Dear respected faculty members of East China Normal University, teachers of the Global Education Center, distinguished guests, fellow graduates of the Class of 2025, and friends from around the world—good afternoon!

    I am Pritam Saha (彭雨), a Bangladeshi student who has just completed PhD in Chinese Philosophy. Before I begin, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the teachers of the Global Education Center for inviting me to speak today on behalf of our PhD graduating class. It is my great honor to stand before you as we celebrate the Class of 2025 here at ECNU.

    We have come from every corner of the world, yet over the past few years we have grown together along the banks of the Liwa and Cherry Rivers. It is often said, “丽娃河畔，爱在华东师大.” For those of us at Minhang Campus, we might instead say: “樱桃河畔，尚义桥边，爱在华东师大.” I spent my youth there, walking those quiet paths, sitting under the trees, and lost in dreams. Both campuses have been silent witnesses to the joys, sorrows, struggles, and friendships that have shaped who we are today. Before you depart ECNU, I encourage you to take one last stroll along the Liwa and Cherry River banks—and simply enjoy life itself.

    We arrived at ECNU as seekers from many paths—engineers, scientists, economists, lawyers, artists, educators, and philosophers—each carrying the soil of our own cultures and traditions. Here, we were welcomed and replanted in the rich intellectual ground of China. ECNU became more than just a university; it became our “家”—our shared academic family and roots. Today, we celebrate not only the degrees we have earned but the deep transformation within each of us. In that transformation, the wisdom of this land speaks most clearly. Now, it is our turn to expand these roots, just like branches reaching out. Whether you return home or build your career here in China, you have a responsibility to transform your knowledge into something of value and to contribute meaningfully to society and the whole world.

    Finally, drawing on what I have learned from Chinese philosophy and my experiences in China, I leave you with one final thought: “本固枝荣，天下同心同行” (When the root is firm, the branches flourish—and all under heaven walk together in unity).

    Thank you, and congratulations to the Class of 2025!