Monday, 02 September 2024 |PNS | DEHRADUN
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stressed on the need for keeping national interest above all in all situations. He also exhorted the cadets at Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) to cultivate strength and wisdom so that they can fight the bigger battles of life. “Strength and conscience make a formidable combination that generates impregnability when challenged,” he said.
Visiting RIMC here on Sunday morning, he stressed on the need for keeping the national interest first in all situations, the VP said, “Serve the country with pride and fearlessness. Bharat Mata beckons you. The nation’s future rests on your shoulders. Always keep national interest foremost. Your conduct must exemplify discipline, decorum and empathy.”
Addressing the cadets, Dhankhar urged the alumni and the RIMC fraternity to act as a think-tank and imbibe in the youth a spirit of nationalism and take all steps to neutralise anti-national designs by those who are disconnected from the ground reality and not acknowledging the phenomenal economic growth, great developmental journey and the unprecedented rise of Bharat at the global stage. Recalling the words of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan from his address to RIMC cadets in December 1962, Dhankhar reiterated, “The earth belongs to the brave, to the strong in spirit, not to the idle, not to the lazy and not to the incompetent. In this world of great competition and rivalry, each one of us will have to lead a life of self-control and sacrifice. Bear these great ideals in life.”
Encouraging the cadets to stand tall even in the times of difficulty, Dhankhar stated, “My dear young cadets, in your respective journeys- both personal and professional, you will face moments that will test you. There will be days when your patience wears thin and exhaustion seeps in. Each of you will face your own battles, both here in training and in the years to come, but remember those who dare to stand tall, and take risks in the face of adversity are the ones that represent courage, initiative and leadership.”
Terming fear of failure as the worst killer of growth, he exhorted the cadets to never fear failure in life as it is a stepping stone to success. Praising the admission of girls in RIMC and Sainik schools, Dhankhar said that these actions reflect remarkable affirmative strides for gender equality and justice. “Our women are steering combat aircrafts, they are at the helm of space missions and are shattering every possible glass ceiling imaginable. Reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures to the extent of one-third will certainly be a game changer,” he added.
Governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh and RIMC commandant colonel Rahul Agarwal were also present on the occasion.
