Imphal, Sep 8 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday while highlighting the importance of national integration, said that India’s diversity of languages, traditions and regions is united by a shared national identity.
During his interaction with the cadets of the Sainik School in Imphal, Vice-President Radhakrishnan described the Northeast as an integral and beautiful part of India and praised the hard work and contribution of its people.
The Vice-President, who arrived in Imphal from Assam on Tuesday for a one-day visit to Manipur, visited the INA Museum at Moirang in Bishnupur district and paid homage to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian National Army (INA).
He visited the historic site where the Indian Tricolour was first hoisted on the Indian mainland by the INA on April 14, 1944 and toured the INA War Museum gallery. He also paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Later, Vice-President Radhakrishnan visited Sainik School Imphal, where he paid floral tribute at the War Memorial and was accorded a Guard of Honour by the cadets.
Speaking on his visit to Moirang, around 45 km south of state capital Imphal, the Vice-President recalled the historic role of the INA in India’s freedom struggle. He noted that several freedom fighters from across the country, including many from Tamil Nadu, had joined the INA and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
The Vice President also recalled his recent visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had hoisted the Indian Tricolour, and said that these historic sites remind the younger generation of the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters.
He emphasised that the true legacy of an institution is reflected not merely in its buildings or records, but in the character of its students and alumni.
He called upon the cadets to particularly develop discipline, courage and leadership. “Even if you are less talented, with discipline you will shine,” Vice-President Radhakrishnan noted, stressing that discipline provides the foundation for excellence.
On bravery, he said that true courage also means standing up for others when someone is being unnecessarily harmed.
On leadership, he emphasised that a true leader accepts responsibility, sets an example, listens to others and has the moral courage to take the right decision.
He said that Sainik Schools have a special role in strengthening the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, as students from diverse backgrounds learn, train, eat and play together.
Referring to the rapid pace of technological change, he urged the cadets to preserve the timeless values of discipline, integrity and patriotism while also becoming adaptable, innovative and technologically aware.
The Vice-President mentioned emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, space technology, biotechnology, cyber-security and robotics as areas offering new opportunities to the younger generation.
He encouraged the students to retain their goodness while adapting themselves to change, observing that change is the only constant in the world.
Responding to a question on his visit to Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Vice-President Radhakrishnan encouraged the students to visit the historic site to understand the hardships endured by India’s freedom fighters.
He said such a visit inspires patriotism and reminds the younger generation of the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.
On the role of students in building a developed India, the Vice-President said that every student can contribute by performing their duty to the best of their ability every day.
He emphasised that doing one’s best each day would collectively contribute to the realisation of Viksit Bharat.
The Vice-President was accompanied by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence Deepti Mohil Chawla, Major General Shubhankar Basu, Inspecting Officer, Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, Brigadier Amit Chatterjee, and Principal, Sainik School Imphal, Colonel A. Rajiv, among other dignitaries.
–IANS
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