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A 2003 speech by Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has gone viral on American social media following his appointment as co-chair of the United States ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ or DOGE in the upcoming Donald Trump administration. An 18-year-old Ramaswamy can be seen delivering a commencement address at St. Xavier High School in the viral video.

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In his speech, Ramaswamy said all the time when he was focused on completing his graduation, he now wished he could take a pause and appreciate the moment.

“I have been racing my entire high school career but now, when we are finally crossing the finish line, I wish I could have stopped, just a little earlier, to catch a breath of the fresh air around me," he said.

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In his address, Vivek also recalled a quote from his English class. “It is better to travel than it is to arrive leaving me all confused to hell like with mixed feelings how am I supposed to feel right now?" Ramaswamy told the crowd.

Ramaswamy also emphasised the word “commencement” at the event marked to celebrate the end of high school education. “And yet, now we use that same word commencement to describe a ceremony marking the end to our 4-year high school experience," 18-year-old Ramaswamy said.

Watch: Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Will Lead Department Of Government Efficiency

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“So, tonight, which is it really?" he questioned.

He stressed the importance of the journey over the destination, saying, “The sole end of that work shouldn’t be in achieving some great reward, rather it should be in the work itself. In a way, to give, and not to count the cost."

“It isn’t about reaching the destination, it is all about making journey to get there and in the end we might find ourselves the destination far from the one we have in mind tonight," he concluded.

Also read: Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy to lead `Department of Government Efficiency` in Trump`s second term

The video soon became an internet sensation both in India and the US, with many users left awestruck by Vivek’s public speaking style.

One user commented, “Public speaking skills are groomed but there should be an innate zeal within oneself to polish and nourish it further. Body language, elocution and connecting with audience are niche skills and once mastered is deadly weapon."

Another person shared, “This is what a good education from a good college can do for you. And here we are, in a time when people casually say you don’t need college." 

“18-year-old Vivek looks more ready for politics than most politicians today," someone quipped.

(With inputs from agencies)