Nainital, Uttarakhand – In a powerful address at the 156th Founders’ celebration of Sherwood College, Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered an impassioned call to the nation's youth, urging them to shed narrow, self-centered ambitions in favour of goals that serve society, humanity, and the nation. Speaking to students and faculty members at the historic institution in Nainital, Uttarakhand, the Vice-President underscored the transformative role young Indians are poised to play in shaping both the nation’s destiny and its global standing.
A Vision Beyond Self: Nation First
Shri Dhankhar’s core message resonated with a profound emphasis on selflessness and patriotism. He exhorted students to adopt a mindset where the "Nation always first". He stressed that history remembers only those who "give back to the society, who worked for the society, who lived for the society and led their lives for society". This enduring principle, he argued, demands an unwavering commitment to "nationalism without qualification, unrestricted," a sentiment he believes Bharat, with its 5,000 years of civilisational depth, inherently deserves. The Vice-President firmly stated that personal aspirations must be integrated with a broader vision for the collective good, emphasizing that mottos are not mere decorations but must become an integral part of one's life. This philosophy extends beyond individual achievement, encouraging a spirit of collaboration where one should help others, even to "march ahead of you," recognizing that such contribution is a true measure of greatness. He highlighted that many highly successful individuals in sports, science, and politics often credit those who may not have achieved similar heights, showcasing the value of hand-holding and support.
The Equalizing Power of Quality Education
A significant portion of the Vice-President's address focused on the critical role of education in a democratic nation. He described quality education, its accessibility, and affordability as fundamental pillars for any democratic society. For Shri Dhankhar, education is a "gift of God," and to receive it, particularly in a nation of 1.4 billion people, is a profound privilege. He underscored education’s intrinsic ability to serve as a "great equalizer," stating unequivocally that "equality in law or otherwise can be optimally and best secured only through education". Education, in his view, is a powerful tool that "hits very hard at inequities, injustice," and this transformative power is what the youth are expected to wield throughout their lives.
Parenthood's Sacred Obligation: Nurturing Diverse Futures
Addressing parents directly, Shri Dhankhar appealed for a more enlightened approach to child-rearing, defining "Parenthood [as] the most important obligation you owe not only to your children but to the entire humanity". He issued a strong cautionary note against overly prescriptive parenting, urging parents not to stress their children or unilaterally decide their life's objectives. The Vice-President warned that if parents dictate paths, the outcome might be a narrow pursuit of money and power, inadvertently depriving the nation and the world of critical talent. He posed a poignant question: "Where would we have scientists? Where would we have astronomers? Where would we have people who define destiny for the entire globe?". His message was clear: allowing children the freedom to choose their own paths is essential for fostering diverse talents vital for societal progress.
Bharat's Exponential Rise: From Potential to Developed Nation
Shri Dhankhar dedicated considerable attention to India's recent trajectory, painting a vivid picture of a nation rapidly ascending on the global stage. He emphatically stated that "Bharat today is no longer a nation with potential. No. This nation's potential is being exploited day in and day out. It is a nation on the rise. The rise is continual. The rise is incremental". Reflecting on the past decade, he highlighted an "exponential" economic rise and "phenomenal" infrastructure growth, positioning India as the "fastest growing" among large economies. He characterized the last decade for Bharat as "a decade of development, a decade of growth, a decade of finding a new place in the global order". The Vice-President made it clear that a developed nation status, or Viksit Bharat, is not merely a dream but a tangible "destination" that the current generation must strive to achieve and take forward.
Youth as Catalysts in a Rapidly Changing World
Highlighting India's unique demographic advantage, Shri Dhankhar emphasized that the world is looking at India not just for its economic rise or scientific and infrastructure development, but also for its "enviable demographic dividend". With a median age of 28 and 65 percent of its population below 35 years, India is significantly younger than countries like China and the US. This youth demographic, he asserted, positions India to be a leader in a world that is "changing too fast". He challenged the youth not to be merely overtaken by change but to "create the change we need" and "formulate the change which we want". This desired change, he clarified, is not solely for India but aims to be "good for the entire planet," reflecting the ancient Indian philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). He cited India's leadership in the G-20, where it championed the motto of "one earth, one family, one future".
Furthermore, the Vice-President acknowledged India's prowess in the digital realm, noting its boast of having the "largest number of smartphones, digital penetration and connectivity which is unrivaled in the world". He recognized that advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain, and machine learning have already permeated daily life, from schools to workplaces and homes. He urged the youth to "change and adapt" to these technological advancements to become worthy citizens of a nation that is home to one-sixth of humanity.
The Weight of Legacy: Building on Illustrious Foundations
Shri Dhankhar also paid tribute to the rich legacy of Sherwood College, reminding students that they walk in the footsteps of legends. He specifically mentioned Major Som Nath Sharma, Bharat’s first Param Vir Chakra recipient, the nation's highest military decoration, who was an alumnus of the college. He also invoked the name of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the architect of the 1971 victory, a pivotal moment in India's history, who was nurtured by the institution. Beyond military heroes, he referred to the iconic actor Amitabh Bachchan, another alumnus, whose life motto of "Work is worship" and the idea that "There is no age for work – you must continue to contribute" serves as a timeless inspiration.
The Vice-President underscored that these "phenomenal achievements are your heritage" and serve as the "foundation" for the current generation. However, he added a crucial caveat: "Their legacy is your responsibility now, you have to create new benchmarks". This call to action emphasizes that the current generation must not merely rest on past laurels but must actively contribute to elevating India's stature further.
In closing, Vice-President Dhankhar’s address served as a powerful reminder of the immense potential residing within India's youth and the profound responsibility they bear. His message was a clarion call for purposeful living, national service, and a commitment to contributing to a future where India leads not just in development, but in embodying values that benefit the entire global family.
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