Chittorgarh: Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing students at his alma mater, Sainik School Chittorgarh, delivered a stirring and deeply personal speech, calling the institution his “real birthplace” and lauding its role in shaping responsible, disciplined citizens.
“I am proud to be a Chittorian. That is my identity. Though I was born in village Kithana, Jhunjhunu, my real birth took place here in Sainik School, Chittorgarh,” he said. He credited the school with instilling in him the values of discipline, decorum, and collective living. “Sainik Schools mould those with potential, who just need a chance. They are truly homes of hidden gems — guddi ke laal,” he noted.
Dhankhar underscored Chittorgarh’s historic significance, evoking icons like Maharana Pratap and Rani Padmavati. “You are surrounded by legacy every day — Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh — they motivate us to always believe in the nation,” he told the students.
He also highlighted the expansion of Sainik Schools, including in the private sector and under state government initiatives. Lauding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Dhankhar said, “He is remembered for transforming Uttar Pradesh, but I give him full credit for establishing a fully equipped Sainik School in Gorakhpur.”
The Vice President commended the inclusion of girls in Sainik Schools, calling it a major progressive step. “Fifty percent of talent was being ignored. Today, our girls are combat pilots, police officers, even rocket scientists — our very own Rocket Women. We’ve even inaugurated an all-girls Sainik School in Mathura.”
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Women’s Reservation Bill, Dhankhar said, “A development pending for three decades was delivered. One-third reservation for women in legislatures is a game-changer.”
Reflecting on India’s global assertiveness, he said, “The world watched as we avenged the Pahalgam barbarity. Bahawalpur and Muridke were struck precisely. That was a message to the world — Bharat will not tolerate terrorism.”
He called on students to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and to believe in India’s ancient legacy. “India was not born in 1947. Our civilisation dates back over 5,000 years,” he declared. “Operation Sindoor was a message — precise, focused, and just. We did not harm civilians — only terrorist hideouts.”
Looking forward, Dhankhar described India’s rise as “unstoppable” and called the present era “an India of hope and possibility.” “We are no longer a nation of just dreams — we are realising them. Viksit Bharat is our destination,” he said.
He encouraged students to use time wisely, avoid fear, and see failure as a stepping stone. “Chandrayaan-3 succeeded because Chandrayaan-2 succeeded 95%. Gaganyaan will too. Never fear failure,” he advised.
In an emotional conclusion, Dhankhar announced his intent to return to Sainik School Chittorgarh later in 2025, even expressing a desire to visit his old dormitory, Sanga House. “It will be a nostalgic journey. Always remember what you are getting from this school,” he said.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda’s iconic call — “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached” — Dhankhar signed off with heartfelt wishes: “Never hesitate to express yourself. No one has fallen from the sky — everyone begins somewhere. You too can rise.”
The Vice President also extended an invitation to Sainik School students to visit Parliament as his guests, underscoring his commitment to nurturing young minds for nation-building.
