Zayne Keshwan gently adjusts his graduation cap, the echoes of the event’s applause still ringing in his ears.

Standing at the crossroads of completion and commencement, Keshwan reflects, “Success isn’t just about what you achieve, it’s about who you become along the way,” he told this newspaper.

Raised in a Christian home, where love for God and people was the foundation, Keshawn’s life has been shaped by lessons far deeper than academic achievement.

“My parents’ struggles and sacrifices taught me humility. Recognition is not a reason to think yourself better than others, but a chance to serve with gratitude.”

His journey began modestly at Gospel Kindergarten and has led him to the brink of completing Year 12 at Jai Narayan College.

Along the way, the values instilled at home were strengthened by meaningful experiences, most notably, his participation in the Junior Diplomacy Training Program.

There, he embraced not just public speaking or policy discussion, but a profound ethos of empathy and service.

“Leadership begins with self-awareness. You can’t lead others unless you understand your own strengths and weaknesses.”

He learned to listen, to truly understand before formulating a response. As the facilitators emphasised, “Effective leadership must be intentional and self-aware, not just reactive,” echoing the vision of the Junior Diplomacy Training program.

He said diplomacy to him meant more than political negotiation, it became a way of seeing the world.

“Before, I saw global issues as distant events. Now, I see the human side, poverty, inequality, climate change, these affect families and communities just like mine.”

Music plays a vital role in that empathetic worldview. Whether at home or at school, Keshwan’s instruments let him offer understanding in ways words cannot.

“Music brings me peace and helps me encourage others. It is a way to express myself, find refreshment, and connect with people in ways words cannot always reach.

He recalls the first time he spoke publicly, “I was nervous, but I realised leadership is not about showing off, but it’s about giving people a reason to trust you.”

His challenges were met with faith and practice.

“I overcame uncertainty by relying on God, remembering my parents’ lessons, and using the communication skills I had learned. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I found calm and clarity through melody.”

At the heart of everything, faith and family remained his compass, whose values have become deeply integrated into his identity, guiding his every step.

“My parents taught me that life is not about power, race, or status but about service and respect.

“Diplomacy doesn’t start in a conference room; it starts in how you treat those around you. Show kindness, humility, and respect. Practice listening with empathy because understanding others is the first step toward building peace.”

He also encourages young people to engage in schemes like the Junior Diplomacy Training Program, which develops communication, teamwork, and cultural understanding. As seen in 2025, it emphasised emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and serving with compassion to lead not with authority, but with heart.

In Keshwan’s story, the bond between personal values and purpose runs deep.

As he steps away from Jai Narayan College and into the wider world, he carries a singular, compelling vision: that leadership rooted in humility, respect, and empathy has the power to bridge differences and to move communities toward peace.