13-11-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand Youth Dialogue Programme with Students from Various Universities.

Secretary, Shri Ravinath Raman Ji; Vice-Chancellor of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Dr. Shivendra Kumar Kashyap Ji; Vice-Chancellors of various universities; distinguished faculty members; academicians; and my dear young friends!

It gives me immense joy and satisfaction to have listened to the thoughts, questions and perspectives of all of you during this Youth Dialogue Programme today. Your curiosity reflects a thirst for knowledge, your aspirations reflect hope for the future, and your questions demonstrate a firm resolve to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. This is the greatest strength of our Amrit Generation.

My dear young friends,

The true strength of a nation is determined by the ideas, character, commitment and perseverance of its youth. India’s youth power is our greatest strength and the strongest foundation of the nation’s bright future.

I would like to ask you a question: What does India mean to you? Is India merely the land of our birth, or is it also a symbol of our identity, culture, consciousness and collective responsibility?

In reality, being young is not merely about age. It is about having progressive thoughts, a broader vision, unwavering determination and dynamism in action.

A young person is one who does not fear challenges, does not surrender to circumstances and possesses the courage to turn the impossible into the possible through determination and hard work.

When this courage and strength are dedicated to the nation, they manifest as national power. The guiding principle of our national consciousness is Nation First!

Nation First does not mean neglecting our families or personal responsibilities. Rather, it means connecting every effort and achievement of ours with the larger national interest. A student’s sincere dedication to studies, a scientist’s research, a soldier’s commitment to safeguarding our borders, a doctor’s service to humanity and an entrepreneur’s contribution to employment generation—all are expressions of service to the nation.

Remember, the progress of a nation is not ensured by the efforts of governments alone, but by the character, sense of duty and collective endeavour of its citizens. Therefore, the first prerequisite for nation-building is a generation of young people who are strong in character, rooted in values and committed to their responsibilities.

Along with knowledge, skills and technological competence, character and values are equally essential. Our Indian knowledge tradition proclaims:

“Satyam Vada. Dharmam Chara. Svadhyayanma Pramadah.”

It means: Speak the truth, practise righteousness and never neglect self-study.

Integrity, discipline, hard work, humility, sensitivity and self-restraint are qualities that make an individual truly distinguished.

Talent may take you to the heights of success, but it is character that sustains your dignity and reputation at those heights. Therefore, your identity should not be defined merely by your degrees and qualifications, but by your thoughts, conduct and actions.

A young person of character is one who fulfils their duties with the same sincerity with which they exercise their rights. Our Constitution grants us Fundamental Rights while also reminding us of our Fundamental Duties towards the nation.

It is equally important for us to remain aware of global developments and the evolving circumstances in our neighbouring countries. The aspirations being expressed by young people in different parts of the world demonstrate that youth power can play a significant role in social and national transformation. The need of the hour is to channel this energy through wisdom, democratic values, constitutional propriety and constructive engagement.

An important aspect of this civic responsibility is respect for and protection of public property. Universities, libraries, roads, parks and other public facilities are our collective heritage. Protecting them is the responsibility of every citizen. Similarly, cleanliness should not remain confined to a campaign; it must become an integral part of our daily lifestyle.

Patriotism is not expressed through slogans alone. It is equally reflected in protecting public property, maintaining cleanliness, following rules and fulfilling our responsibilities with sincerity.

My dear young friends,

Building a strong nation requires its youth to be healthy, disciplined and energetic. Keep your energy and talent away from substance abuse and channel your life force towards positive pursuits. Addiction not only damages an individual’s health and judgement but also seriously affects their family and future.

Make yoga, sports, exercise, meditation, literature and positive companionship an integral part of your life. Your physical well-being and talent are assets entrusted to you by the nation.

India’s identity is deeply rooted in its ancient knowledge traditions, cultural richness and spiritual consciousness. The wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads, the values of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the ideals of Lord Shri Ram, the philosophy of Karma Yoga imparted by Lord Shri Krishna and the message of compassion given by Lord Buddha constitute our invaluable cultural heritage.

Be modern, acquire knowledge from across the world, but remain connected to your roots. Take pride in your culture and translate the finest values of our heritage into your everyday conduct.

My dear young friends,

Along with these values and principles, we must broaden our outlook towards education, skills and employment. The purpose of education should not be limited to obtaining degrees and securing jobs. We need young people who do not merely seek employment but also create employment, drive innovation and develop solutions to societal challenges.

Uttarakhand offers immense opportunities in tourism, agriculture, medicinal plants, AYUSH, organic products, handicrafts and rural entrepreneurship. Make the challenges of our mountainous regions the foundation of your research and innovation. Develop innovative solutions that can help reverse migration from the hills, expand livelihood opportunities at the local level and enable our villages to move towards self-reliance and prosperity.

For this, an understanding of modern science and technology is equally essential. Artificial Intelligence, robotics, space science, biotechnology and digital innovation are transforming the way the world functions. From space research and digital payments to defence manufacturing, healthcare and green energy, India has made remarkable progress. Missions such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan symbolise our scientific capabilities, confidence and capacity for innovation.

Do not remain mere spectators of these achievements; become their creators and leaders. Technology should enhance your capabilities, but it must never replace your wisdom, original thinking or human sensitivity.

In this direction, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, opportunities for young people are continuously expanding. Initiatives such as the National Education Policy 2020, Skill India, Startup India, Digital India, Khelo India and Mera Yuva Bharat are opening new avenues for education, skill development, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership.

The objective of these initiatives is not merely to provide opportunities to young people, but also to make them skilled, self-reliant, innovative and active participants in the nation’s development. Make the most of these opportunities and connect your talent with the progress of the nation.

My dear young friends,

Before us lies the great national resolve of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. When India completes 100 years of Independence, many of you who are currently studying in universities will be playing significant roles in the nation’s development as scientists, doctors, academicians, administrators, entrepreneurs and policymakers.

Viksit Bharat@2047 is not merely a national goal; it is a historic responsibility entrusted to the talent, hard work and determination of today’s Amrit Generation. The role of our youth will be decisive in realising this vision.

I call upon each one of you to dream big, believe in your capabilities and work with complete dedication to turn those dreams into reality. Instead of becoming disheartened by failures, learn from them and strive to become a better version of yourself every single day.

My dear young friends,

You are not merely a generation that studies history; you are the generation that will create a new chapter in India’s history.

India needs your talent, your hard work, your character and your unwavering determination. Develop the confidence within yourselves that, through your own efforts and perseverance, you can transform the course of the nation.

Let us build an India that leads the world in knowledge and science, is prosperous economically, takes pride in its cultural heritage and serves as a global guide in human values.

Arise, awaken, resolve and dedicate yourselves to building a Viksit Bharat through your knowledge, actions and character.

May your success become Uttarakhand’s success; may the future of India be reflected in your dreams; may India’s glory shine through your achievements; and may every action of yours reflect a spirit of dedication towards the nation.

With these good wishes, hope and confidence, I conclude my address.

Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand!