Vice President inspires students at 156th Founders’ Day of Sherwood College
Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 27 Jun: Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 156th Founders’ Day celebrations at Sherwood College, here, on Friday, calling upon students to rise above narrow and self-centered goals. He urged the youth to dedicate themselves to the service of society and the nation.
“Do not confine your goals to personal success. Think beyond yourself — for the society, for humanity, and for the nation. History remembers those who lived for others, who gave back to society,” he said.
Speaking about nationalism, he added, “We must internalise the spirit of unconditional patriotism. India, with its 5,000-year-old cultural depth, deserves nothing less.”
The Vice President highlighted the transformational role of education, stating, “Quality education is a divine gift and a fundamental pillar of democracy. If you have access to such education in a nation of 1.4 billion, you are truly privileged. Education eliminates inequality and injustice. It is the greatest equaliser — and that is what you must carry with you throughout life.”
Addressing parents, he emphasised that parenthood is a responsibility towards humanity, not just their own children.
“Let your children choose their path. If you dictate their future, they will chase only money or power. Where then will our scientists, astronomers, and thought leaders come from?”
Reflecting on India’s global rise, he remarked, “India is no longer just a nation of potential — we are a nation of performance. The last decade has been a time of remarkable growth, infrastructure development, and global recognition. We are now the fastest-growing major economy. The next chapter — ‘Viksit Bharat’ — must be written by you.”
The Vice President also paid homage to the legacy of Sherwood College, mentioning distinguished alumni such as Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, architect of India’s 1971 victory.
He also referenced Amitabh Bachchan, noting, “His legacy reminds us that karma is worship, and there is no age limit to contribute to society.”
He encouraged students to be agents of change, noting India’s unique demographic advantage, “With an average age of 28, India is younger than China or the US by a decade; 65% of our population is below 35. The world looks at us not only for our growth, but for the values we offer. As we said at the G-20 — One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
Highlighting the nation’s technological transformation, he added, “India is now the largest smartphone-using country, with unparalleled digital connectivity. Terms like AI, IoT, blockchain, and machine learning are no longer distant — they are part of your classrooms and homes. You must evolve with them to become worthy citizens of this great nation.”
Uttarakhand Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) also addressed the gathering, describing Sherwood College as a vibrant legacy of education and character building.
“Each success of a student is not just a personal achievement, but a contribution to the nation. True education is when a student considers solving social challenges as their own responsibility,” the Governor said.
He added, “You are the torchbearers of a great tradition — your character is your true identity, and your dedication is the greatest strength of this nation.”
Those present on the occasion included Commissioner, Kumaon Division, and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Deepak Rawat, Inspector General, Kumaon, Riddhima Agarwal, District Magistrate Vandana, and Superintendent of Police Prahlad Narayan, along with school officials and students.
