Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” talks about some human qualities like calmness, self-belief, truthfulness, patience, ambition, thoughtfulness, indifference to success and failures, mental strength, power of will, attachment with people, wisdom to utilise our time well and so on. These are the virtues that make a man successful in life and make him a perfect human being. These qualities are rather universal. This was true centuries ago, even before the poet penned this poem, and will remain true forever. So, it is always relevant irrespective of time period, place or target audience.

Yes, for the present-day students, who, as some people object, are rather demoralised in an age of electronics, this poem is very much relevant in helping them build a strong moral character. Students are the future of nation. So, they need to develop a sound character to be successful in whatever field they choose to go in coming days. The self-belief, the power of will, the mental strength, the ability to dream and think and the calmness — all are going to bring him his desired achievement.