Very good morning to all of you,
Time for me has gone back six decades, to when I was admitted to Sainik School, Chittorgarh. I am here because of you. I was one of you six decades ago, when I went to Sainik School, Chittorgarh, what I said? My biological birth was in the village of Kithana, district Jhunjhunu but my real birth was in Sainik School Chittorgarh.
All that I am today is because of my parents, grandparents, my teachers, and, more importantly, my alma mater. That connection is lasting, and I am sure destiny will ensure it continues even when I meet my maker. This connection for you, boys and girls, is everlasting. You will gain something here that you will cherish all your lives.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ I request the Commandant, let each student engage into this ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and carry the message also to their home ground. This clarion call by the Honourable Prime Minister is very well meaning, aimed at containing climate change menace and for a very simple reason, we do not have another planet to cohabit, you are living in an area where I need not emphasise the importance of it.
It is indeed a privilege, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life, to be at this over hundred-year-old remarkable institution, one of its own kind and unique.
The tone of the institution was well set in his address to the first thirty-seven Cadets in the founding year 1922 by the Prince of Wales reflecting “It is the first few blows on the anvil of the life that give the human weapon the set and temper that carry him through life’s battles”.
These “first few blows on the anvil of the life” on the campus have since then defined your reputation and earned the institution a great name and fame. Interestingly and soothingly the Prince paid tribute to Indian tradition of ‘Guru and Chela’, reminding us ever that our civilisational ethos and value escaped attention of none, even then. Now, of course, it's a global attraction, thanks to the visionary leadership.
The initiative for this prestigious hallowed military academy was simmering demand for parity by Indians with the British in the defence services.
Essentially, the demand was premised to secure promotion as officers in the British-Indian Army, a privilege that had been denied to them for close to 200 years, and was exclusive preserve of the british.
The evolution of this institution underscores in a sense spirit of nationalism and equality even when Britishers ruled us.
That fire in the Indian mind for nationalism resulted in fusion of this institution. In its centennial year alongside Sainik Schools and Military Schools, I happen to be from Sainik Schools, Chittorgarh, the intake of girl students was initiated in July 2022. A cornerstone, a game-changer and reflection of what is taking place in the country.
My young friends, these two, in a sense, have a similar premise. The inclusion of girl students means, as for a non-discriminatory level playing field, now a fundamental constitutional ordainment.
My young friends, as a nation we can take pride in being global beacon in this, given the fact that our women constitute large contingent of global civil pilots. Our women are steering combat aircrafts, they are at the helm of space missions. What a moment for me, within 48 hours, the girl, the name is difficult, gave a picture of me and it was very authentic.
Friends, the nation witnessed the emergence of our Nari Shakti in full bloom at Kartavya Path on Republic Day celebrations this year. What a spectacle it was. In every walk of life, this gender was dominating. The event amply evidenced Nari-Shakti making impactful contributions in all walks of life. It is this contribution that will lead us to a developed nation status in 2047.
I had the good fortune to be Chairman of the Rajya Sabha at a time when an epochal milestone event took place. Reservation for women, that had eluded us for over three decades in spite of the best efforts, in Lok Sabha and state legislatures, to the extent of one third, will certainly be a game-changer.
Your inspiration, young boys and girls, Rimcollians are making presence in various fields, principally in defence services, many having reached pinnacle.
Late General Bipin Rawat, a distinguished Rimcollian had the honour to be the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. He hailed from this land.
RIMC , institute of excellence, as this one, is an asset to the nation for nurturing and blossoming young minds to be in service of the nation. The benchmarks set here are emulative for other similar institutions.
Let me remind my young friends of the wise words imparted at the RIMC Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1972 by the then President Shri V.V. Giri who in his address reflected:
“Young cadets, this is the most formative and profitable period of your life and you must direct all your efforts to grow into self-reliant and worthy soldiers of the country and thus fulfil the hopes that we have built upon you. You must live up to your college motto- बल विवेक- that is you must cultivate in yourselves strength and wisdom to fight the battle of life. Work hard, preserve the tradition of our Armed forces, make our country stronger and guard her honour in war and peace.”
His words resonate with the enduring values and principles that this prestigious Institution instils in each cadet.
As you stand on the threshold of your future, let these words of wisdom illuminate your path in embracing the upcoming challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The basket of opportunities is increasing day by day, and the world has recognised it.
The words of late V.V. Giri must ever resonate in your ears and be your North Star in search of excellence and a lighthouse when amidst challenges.
These words also underscore RIMC consistency ‘in produced leaders and patriots firmly dedicated to the service of the Nation.’
the importance of school lies not merely in the transmittal of book knowledge or making a child literate and physically fit, A school, particularly, a residential school such as RIMC, should and does provide a total experience to the child’ was echoed in the RIMC platinum jubilee celebrations address by then President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. It was indeed a testimonial RIMC has all through sustained.
Hon’ble Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh, himself a man in uniform, in inspiring centennial address in 2022 aptly applauded exemplification of the spirit of service ingrained in every cadet and Rimcollian.
I take this opportunity and urge and call upon the illustrious alumni this unique institution to act as a think tank to imbibe in the youth a spirit of nationalism as also take all steps to neutralise anti national pernicious designs. Rimcollians are obvious brand ambassadors for this message that we all be, in an unqualified manner, in pursuit of nationalism.This will give cutting edge in particular to the youth, our demographic bastion. Our demographic dividend stands out in the world as formidable progress that is making this nation earn accolades from all global institutions and is ensuring our economic upsurge and great developmental journey, so far not dreamt by people of my generation.
My young friends, as cadets of RIMC, you are the torchbearers of illustrious legacy. A legacy well earned and deserved over the years. The values you imbibe here, the training you undergo, and the bonds you form will shape you into patriots of highest order.
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!
You will gradually understand that it is not just a saying but a fundamental truth of growth in life. The discipline and resilience that you build here will be your armour in every battle that lies ahead. The opportunity basket is getting enlarged day by day in all spheres of public life with continual technology onslaughts.
My young friends- you are indeed fortunate to be getting this quality education. Unlike our challenging times, you are beneficiaries of an echo system that ensures.- equality before law, with privileged pedigree too being held accountable. Now all are amenable to the law, and this makes me recall "Be you ever so high, the law is always above you."
This was quote by one of the celebrated judges in Great Britain, Lord Denning, but as a matter of fact, he got inspiration from the writings of Dr. Thomas Fuller in 1933. This, in India, was eluding us for a long time but is now a ground reality. Nothing can be more opportune, soothing, and salubrious for young minds when they find all are equal.
No one is getting a march ahead, sacrificing meritocracy because he belongs to a distinct category. In democracy, you happen to be the most vital stakeholders, I said, because when India will be marching towards very close to Viksit Bharat in 2047, you will be prominently settled and contributing massively for this rise.
I will strongly urge you never to be in the grip of fear, stress, or tension, my young friends. Fear is the worst killer of growth, fear snatches initiative from us, fear makes us tentative when we need to be confident. Remember me, fear more often than not is not there. We have a tendency to overblow the dimension of fear. If you get rid of fear, fear is a deterrent without foundation, often fear is premised on quicksand. Never fear failure.
Failures are a natural part of our journey. A civilisational growth would not have taken place if failures were taken as setbacks and those in pursuit of a particular object fell apart because of failure. Failure, I have noticed, and I tell you, you can look back in the last two years, failure is a stepping stone to success. It is imaginary. Always remember, fear is a necessary component of our growth journey.
Think of these historic Chandrayaan missions. Chandrayaan 2 was largely successful, but not fully. Some people who believe in this kind of failure syndrome call it a failure not for the wise ones. It was a step towards success. And we all in this country had a gratifying moment on August 23, 2023, now forever our space day.
When Chandrayaan 3 landed on the south pole of the moon, India being the first country to have this accomplishment, we had an indelible imprint for posterity, Shiv Shakti, and Tiranga Point of view but for the Chandrayaan 2 mission, Chandrayaan 3 would not have been a success story.
My young friends, you are privileged to be living in a time of profound transformation, where the winds of change are filled with optimism and endless possibilities. We are indeed shaped daily by technological improvements. Disruptive technologies, young minds are well suited to grapple with them, avail them, and convert the challenges into opportunities.
Undoubtedly, and the world recognises, we are getting accolades from global institutions on our growth elements. Bharat, the largest functional democracy on the planet, is surging forward with an unwavering spirit and embracing its role as a global leader. Our economic rise has turned the world and the world-class infrastructure is being marvelled at by one and all.
I would conclude by making reference to the pearls of wisdom that emanated from Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, in his address to RIMC cadets on 10th December 1962,
“Ancient scriptures tell us, ‘Vir Bhagya Vasundhra’ , i.e., 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.”
My message to you all would be, 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.
You must ever vindicate your institution motto बल विवेक Strength and Conscience formidable combination that generates impregnability when challenged.
Be ever blessed and be fit to be in service of Bharat.
Thank you. Jai Hind!
