12-07-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand on the Occasion of the Theatrical Presentation The Monk, The Warrior, The Legend Dedicated to the Late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakr

Jai Hind!

Respected Principal of Modern School, distinguished guests on the dais, senior and esteemed officers of the Indian Army, Mrs. Sonam Wangchuk, office bearers of the Ehsaas ’81 Foundation, serving and retired military officers, families of our brave soldiers, dear students, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a matter of immense pride and deep emotion for me to be present in this historic institution today. The Monk, The Warrior, The Legend is not merely a theatrical performance; it is a living celebration of patriotism, sacrifice, courage, leadership, and enduring human values. It is the nation’s collective tribute to the late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakra, who secured an indelible place in India’s military history through his extraordinary courage, exemplary leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Ehsaas ’81 Foundation for not only preserving the memory of their classmate, friend, and one of the nation’s immortal heroes, but also for choosing this inspiring medium to pass his legacy on to future generations. The strength of any nation lies not only in the protection of its borders but also in the gratitude and respect it accords to its heroes. A society that remembers its heroes nurtures character, courage, discipline, and patriotism in its future generations.

I express my heartfelt condolences and profound respect to Mrs. Sonam Wangchuk and her entire family. Behind every brave soldier stands a family that silently makes sacrifices of equal magnitude. While the soldier safeguards the nation at the frontier, the family upholds patience, faith, and resilience at home. The nation owes an equal debt of gratitude to the families of our brave soldiers, whose silent sacrifices make such immortal tales of heroism possible.

I also congratulate the Modern School family. A school is not merely a centre of learning; it is the first laboratory for nurturing values, leadership, and national character. It is deeply inspiring that the very institution where Colonel Sonam Wangchuk began his journey as a student is today presenting his life story as a source of inspiration for a new generation. There can be no greater honour for an educational institution.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The title of today’s presentation—The Monk, The Warrior, The Legend—embodies profound philosophical meaning.

The Monk symbolizes self-discipline, compassion, humility, and self-mastery. One who conquers oneself achieves the greatest victory in life.

The Warrior represents courage, duty, and the defence of the nation. A true warrior is not one who seeks conflict, but one who fearlessly confronts every challenge to preserve peace, uphold justice, and safeguard the nation.

The Legend is one whose values, actions, and sacrifices make them immortal in history. Legends are not born; they are shaped through character, leadership, and devotion to the nation.

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk was a remarkable embodiment of all three ideals. He possessed the steadfastness of the Himalayas, the compassion of the Buddhist tradition, and the unwavering patriotism of an Indian soldier. His life teaches us that true leadership is established not through rank or authority, but through conduct, courage, and personal example.

India’s military tradition has always been founded on the noble ideal of “Seva Paramo Dharma”—Service is the Highest Duty. Our Armed Forces not only protect our borders but are also the first to respond during natural disasters and humanitarian crises. This is why the Indian soldier is not merely a warrior in uniform but the highest symbol of service, discipline, and dedication to the nation.

During my own military career, I learned that wars are won not merely with weapons but with courage, discipline, leadership, and indomitable morale. The true strength of the Indian Army lies in the character of its soldiers and their unwavering commitment to the nation. Colonel Sonam Wangchuk’s life is a shining example of these ideals.

Today, India is establishing itself as one of the world’s leading, powerful, and self-confident nations. Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, India is rapidly advancing towards unprecedented self-reliance in the defence sector. Modern missile systems, indigenous fighter aircraft, advanced warships, drone technology, artificial intelligence-based defence systems, cyber security capabilities, and space technologies are elevating India’s strategic strength to new heights.

The New India is not only strengthening its own security but is also emerging as a capable, self-reliant, and trusted defence partner on the global stage through the export of defence equipment. This is the outcome of the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the collective efforts of our scientists, engineers, and Armed Forces.

Yet, we must always remember that wars are never won by technology alone. Advanced weapons are essential, but even more important is the human being who operates them. No artificial intelligence can replace courage. No machine can substitute duty, ethics, sacrifice, or love for one’s nation. Human character, moral courage, and patriotism remain the true fighting strength of any military. Ultimately, victory belongs to those who possess unwavering resolve, discipline, and complete dedication to the nation.

The greatest guiding principle of our national life is “Nation First.” When the nation comes first, duty, integrity, and service naturally become the path of life. If every citizen embraces this spirit, the vision of a developed, self-reliant, and secure India will undoubtedly become a reality. That would be the truest tribute to immortal heroes like Colonel Sonam Wangchuk.

My dear young friends,

I especially wish to tell you that every generation must choose its ideals. In this digital age, fame may be fleeting, but character is eternal. Choose as your role models those who are remembered not for the positions they held, but for the values they upheld; whose greatness came not from popularity but from sacrifice in the service of the nation. Let your ideals shape you not merely into successful individuals but into exemplary citizens.

If today’s theatrical presentation kindles even a single spark of service, discipline, integrity, compassion, and patriotism in the heart of one student, I shall consider the purpose of this event to have been fully achieved.

Our ancient scriptures declare:

> “Api Swarnamayi Lanka Na Me Lakshmana Rochate; Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi.”

“O Lakshmana, even the golden Lanka does not appeal to me, for one’s mother and motherland are greater than heaven itself.”

This is the very spirit that the Indian soldier embraces as the highest duty of life. Rising above personal joys and sorrows, the soldier dedicates everything to the security and honour of the nation. The entire life of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk stands as a living embodiment of this ideal.

As we pay tribute to him today, we must not only remember his gallantry but also strive to emulate the values by which he lived. True homage is not paid merely by offering flowers, but by embracing integrity, discipline, courage, compassion, humility, and the spirit of placing the nation above oneself.

In conclusion, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Ehsaas ’81 Foundation, Modern School, all the artists, teachers, organisers, volunteers, and every individual associated with this magnificent and inspiring event.

Let us all resolve to embody the ideals of our brave soldiers not merely in our memories, but in our daily conduct. That alone will be our true tribute to them and the strongest foundation for building a developed, secure, self-reliant, and glorious India. Heroes never become merely a part of history; they become the enduring foundation of a nation’s character.

Vande Mataram!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Jai Hind!