By Our Correspondent
Gorakhpur, September 7
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hailed Uttar Pradesh as a shining example of progress, commending Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the significant transformations witnessed in the state since 2017. Speaking highly of the state’s contributions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that Uttar Pradesh has made a qualitative contribution in the distinct and strong identity of India in the world.
The Vice President was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School in Gorakhpur on Saturday in the presence of CM Yogi. In his address, the Vice President also called upon citizens to actively participate in the ongoing campaign for realizing the vision of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047. He said, “Every person should make sacrifices for the ‘mission developed India’ because no sacrifice is too great when it comes to serving the country.”
He praised the transformative changes in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of CM Yogi, noting significant advancements in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and other sectors since 2017. He contrasted the current state of progress with the pre-2017 era, when Uttar Pradesh was plagued by fear and poor law and order, causing distress among the common people.
Highlights
- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates Sainik School in Gorakhpur
- Every person will have to make a sacrifice in ‘developed India’ mission: Vice President
- Prior to 2017, Uttar Pradesh was in the grip of fear: Vice President
- CM Yogi did a miraculous work by building Sainik School in three years: Vice President
The Vice President lauded CM Yogi for his “miraculous” achievement of completing the Sainik School in Gorakhpur within just three years—a feat that was once deemed difficult and unimaginable. He emphasized that the success of this project, along with many others, reflects the strong faith in CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, whose remarkable works resonate across the state.
He remarked: “Indianness is our identity, and the nation is our religion.” He urged everyone to prioritize national interests above personal ones, warning that any compromise with nationalism would be a betrayal to the country. He asserted that those who question the nation’s integrity would not be tolerated.
Reflecting on India’s transformation, the Vice President noted that today’s India is far stronger than it was a decade ago. He contrasted the past, when the country’s gold reserves were mortgaged in Swiss banks, with the present, where India’s gold reserves are robust.
He also highlighted the dramatic change in Kashmir, where, following the abolition of Article 370, more than two crore tourists have visited the region over the past two to three years. He reminded the audience that while the Constitution’s framers intended Article 370 to be temporary, some mistakenly viewed it as permanent.
Addressing the students, Dhankhar encouraged them not to fear failure, as it is often the starting point of success. He urged them to conquer the fear of failure, warning that it could stifle their potential. He pointed to the success of Chandrayaan 3, which he said was built on the partial success of Chandrayaan 2. “Education is the medium of change. Social evils can be attacked only through education,” he added.
Vice President Dhankhar also praised Purvanchal as a vital region of Uttar Pradesh, commending the construction of the first Sainik School in the area. He exuded confidence that the school will play a crucial role in shaping future generations, standing as a testament to CM Yogi’s unique vision and impact.
The Vice President recalled that the country’s first Sainik School was founded in Lucknow in 1960 by then-CM Dr. Sampurnanand. “Now, decades later, CM Yogi Adityanath has surpassed that legacy, setting a new benchmark by swiftly establishing another Sainik School”, he stated.
The Vice President shared an emotional moment, recounting the day when CM Yogi personally visited his residence to extend an invitation for the inauguration of Sainik School Gorakhpur. He described the invitation as extraordinary, noting that CM Yogi’s attention to detail and thoughtfulness were evident in how he invited him not just as a dignitary, but as an alumnus of a Sainik School.
Reflecting on the inauguration ceremony, the Vice President expressed how the event brought back vivid memories of his own time as a Sainik School student six decades ago. He described the experience as unforgettable, noting that CM Yogi’s efforts had created an indelible moment in his life. He emphasized that this invitation also served as a reminder of the transformative power of education, which has the ability to bridge inequalities and foster change.
He lauded the newly established institution, expressing his belief that it will serve as an inspiration for other states to form similar societies and establish Sainik Schools of their own. He emphasized that the bond he has formed with Gorakhpur through this event will remain with him for life.
During the ceremony, the Vice President paid tribute to Gorakshabhoomi, the historical and spiritual heartland of the Nath sect, and drew a personal connection between this sacred land and his home state of Rajasthan. He noted that Mahant Digvijaynath Ji Maharaj, the grandfather of the current Goraksha Peethadheeshwar Yogi Adityanath, hailed from Udaipur, Rajasthan. Additionally, Hanuman Prasad Poddar, a key figure associated with Geeta Press, also had roots in Rajasthan.
He reflected on his own connection to the region, recalling the time he served in the Lok Sabha alongside Yogi Adityanath’s mentor, Mahant Avedyanath, from whom he received blessings when he became a minister at the Centre.
CM Yogi honored Vice President Dhankhar by presenting him with a shawl and a terracotta statue of Lord Ganesha. The Vice President’s wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankar, was also felicitated with a terracotta statue of Ganesha by Minister of State for Secondary Education, Gulab Devi.
Sainik School will emerge as a symbol of security, dedication and discipline: Gulab Devi
In her welcome address at the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School, Minister of State for Secondary Education (Independent Charge) Gulab Devi said that a new journey is starting today with the inauguration of this Sainik School built in Gorakhpur. This Sainik School will emerge as a symbol of security, dedication and discipline of the country. She further said that under the leadership of CM Yogi, the Secondary Education Department has created a record by conducting a copy-free examination and releasing the examination results in a very short time. She mentioned that secondary schools are being rejuvenated with Project Alankar.
In the event, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State for Basic Education (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh, MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, District Panchayat President Sadhana Singh, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Fateh Bahadur Singh, Mahendrapal Singh, Shriram Chauhan, Vipin Singh, Dr. Vimlesh Paswan, Pradeep Shukla, Sarwan Nishad etc. were prominently present.
Vice President inspects Sainik School
Following the inauguration of Sainik School Gorakhpur, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, conducted a detailed inspection of the new institution. The Vice President toured the school’s facilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, the swimming pool, and the residential complex. He also tried his hand at shooting at the newly established Eklavya Shooting Range.
In a gesture reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability, he planted trees on the school grounds, sending a strong message about the importance of keeping nature green and maintaining a clean and beautiful environment. The day’s events commenced with the National Anthem and Saraswati Vandana as the Vice President took the stage. The highlight of the ceremony was an emotional drama performed by the cadets, depicting the transition from student life to military service.
