14-11-2025:Address by the Hon’ble Governor at St. George’s College, Mussoorie
Jai Hind!
Respected teachers and dear students!
On this sacred and glorious occasion, it gives me immense pleasure and pride to be present here, amidst the bright future of India and their mentors, on the historic grounds of St. George’s College, Mussoorie, nestled in the Queen of Hills.
Today, we are witnessing a unique confluence in this temple of learning that lights the torch of education in the stream of nation-building. This occasion celebrates three remarkable milestones:
25 years of the foundation of the state of Uttarakhand,
150 inspiring years of the Patrician Brothers in India, and
the joyous festival of Children’s Day, dedicated to our beloved children.
This day is not merely the meeting of three significant celebrations—it symbolizes the long journey of service, education, and dedication that has shaped countless generations, built character, and illuminated the path of nation-building through education.
In essence, today’s occasion is a grand celebration of three forces—Uttarakhand’s achievements, the Patrician Brothers’ legacy of education and service, and the limitless potential of our children.
Dear friends,
Our Devbhoomi, our land of the brave and land of yoga—Uttarakhand—is not merely a symbol of the Himalayas’ natural beauty, but also a living embodiment of human courage, faith, and service.
Here, the mountains teach us resilience, the rivers teach us continuity, the forests teach us balance, and the people teach us that true greatness lies in humility.
These values have shaped the soul of Uttarakhand—peaceful yet strong, simple yet powerful, humble yet victorious. We are indeed fortunate that this sacred land is our birthplace, workplace, or place of learning.
In the past 25 years, Uttarakhand has shown that even a young state can progress with great dreams and determination. The courage, hard work, and self-confidence with which this state has built its identity are a matter of pride for every citizen.
Our soldiers have shown valor on the borders, our scientists have given new direction in laboratories, our young entrepreneurs have contributed to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) through innovation, our women have set examples of leadership in every field, and our students—you all—have made the state proud through achievements in education, art, culture, and sports.
Dear teachers and students,
In their 150-year journey in India, the Patrician Brothers have not just built institutions—they have built character. They have shown that education is not merely information, but transformation.
They have proven that when education is infused with compassion, morality, and dedication, it becomes a guiding force for society.
St. George’s College is a living example of this ideal—a place where education means not just scoring marks in exams but finding meaning in life; where students not only gain knowledge but also learn the art of living, the spirit of giving, and the responsibility toward the nation.
Dear students,
On this sacred Children’s Day, we pay our heartfelt tribute to our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Our former President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, once said:
“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
Children, life will bring challenges, but never compromise on your dreams. To fulfill your dreams, you need both the fire of struggle and the spirit of service.
Remember—success is not only what we achieve for ourselves, but what we help others achieve. You don’t need to be a superhero to change the world; what the world truly needs is good human beings.
Dear teachers,
You are the invisible architects of our nation who lay the foundation of India’s future. Your patience, your guidance, and your conduct shape the lives of your students.
Just as a lamp burns itself to give light to others, teachers illuminate the soul of the nation through their effort and sacrifice.
I firmly believe that the purpose of education is not only employment, but character building. Therefore, along with education, the inclusion of moral and ethical values is essential.
Values such as honesty, compassion, discipline, and patriotism transform students into complete citizens.
Dear students,
We are living in an era where India is emerging on the global stage with new energy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India has achieved remarkable progress in economy, technology, defense, and space exploration.
India today is a leader of the digital revolution, has made its mark on the Moon through Chandrayaan-3, conveyed the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) through its G20 presidency, and is shaping its own model of development through Atmanirbhar Bharat.
This is the India that takes pride in its culture while leading in science—an India driven by the motto “Nation First.”
I believe that education is the key tool that can propel this new India towards the vision of Developed India 2047. When India stands at the confluence of knowledge, science, and values, it naturally rises as a Vishwaguru—a teacher to the world.
Today, we need an education that trains not only the mind but also the heart, that teaches compassion along with competition, and service along with success. Such education will once again establish India as a global leader and realize the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Dear students,
You are the greatest wealth of this nation. Your hard work, determination, and character form the foundation of India’s future.
May your hearts always be filled with patriotism, your actions with dedication, and your lives with the light of morality—for in these lie the progress of our nation.
On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Principal, teachers, and the Patrician Brothers Community of St. George’s College, Mussoorie.
Your 150-year journey is not only a journey of education, but also of humanity, ethics, and service.
I am confident that this institution will continue to spread the light of values, empathy, and dedication, and nurture students who will bring pride to the nation through their deeds.
Finally, I urge all of you to take a pledge—
that we shall be honest, aware, and dedicated citizens of our state and nation;
that we shall uphold moral values as supreme;
that in every action, we shall place the nation first;
and together, we shall build an India that is developed, self-reliant, and a guiding light to the world.
May this sacred temple of learning continue to inspire generations to come.
Wishing you all a bright future and the continued progress of this great institution, I conclude my words with heartfelt blessings.
Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand!