18-07-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor at the Seminar on “Moral Education in the National Education Policy” Organised by the National Soldiers’ Organisation

Jai Hind!

I extend a warm welcome and heartfelt greetings to all the distinguished guests present at Lok Bhavan for this important programme on education.

It gives me immense pleasure and deep personal satisfaction to be among you at this significant seminar on the highly relevant and nation-building theme of “Moral Education in the National Education Policy.”

I congratulate the National Soldiers’ Organisation for organising this visionary and nationally significant event. The organisation’s efforts in promoting patriotism, discipline, service, character-building, and national consciousness are truly commendable.

When soldiers, who have dedicated themselves to safeguarding the nation’s borders, return to society and devote themselves to education, values, and the character-building of the younger generation, their experience becomes an invaluable national asset. Their efforts to bring the values of discipline, sacrifice, leadership, and devotion to duty, acquired through military service, into the spheres of education and society represent a truly inspiring mission of nation-building.

I am particularly pleased that the organisation has chosen to make the National Education Policy and moral education the focus of a national dialogue. This is not merely a discussion about education; it is a commitment to building an India where knowledge is complemented by values, talent by character, and progress by responsibility.

For me, this is not merely an intellectual discussion but a matter of lived experience. Having served in the Indian Army for nearly four decades, I have witnessed firsthand that a soldier’s greatest strength does not lie in the most advanced weapon he carries, but in his character, discipline, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to the principle of “Nation First.”

There are many moments on the battlefield when decisions are guided not merely by intellect but by conscience. Victory is secured not only through weapons but through moral courage, trust, leadership, and the spirit of sacrifice. Every officer and soldier of the Indian Army is trained with the conviction that the nation stands above all else.

I often say that while soldiers protect the nation’s borders, it is our values that safeguard the soul of the nation. If the moral character of society remains strong, the strength of the nation naturally becomes stronger. Therefore, the foremost objective of education should not merely be to produce skilled professionals, but to nurture responsible, compassionate, and upright citizens.

The true strength of any nation is determined less by its economic progress, technological achievements, or natural resources than by the character, values, and moral consciousness of its citizens. If education becomes merely a means of livelihood and loses its connection with life values, it may produce knowledge but not wisdom, skills but not compassion, prosperity but not social harmony or human sensitivity.

India’s rich knowledge tradition has always regarded education as a means of holistic human development. The timeless Upanishadic dictum continues to guide us:

“Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye”—True education is that which liberates a person from ignorance, ego, fear, and narrow-mindedness, leading them towards truth, wisdom, and self-realisation.

In our ancient Gurukul tradition, the purpose of education was not merely to create scholars but to shape individuals who were truthful, disciplined, compassionate, environmentally conscious, and deeply committed to their duties towards society and the nation. The harmonious integration of knowledge and conduct, science and spirituality, intellect and sensitivity has always been the hallmark of India’s educational philosophy.

Swami Vivekananda rightly said:

“Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man. It is that which builds character, strengthens the mind, expands the intellect, and enables one to stand on one’s own feet.”

In an era of rapid global transformation, these words are more relevant than ever.

Keeping these contemporary needs in mind, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has laid the foundation for a historic transformation of India’s education system. It presents a powerful synthesis of India’s ancient knowledge traditions and modern global aspirations.

By giving equal emphasis to holistic education, learning in the mother tongue, skill development, research, innovation, Indian knowledge systems, and value-based education, the policy paves the way for building capable, cultured, and self-reliant citizens for a developed India.

NEP 2020 is not merely a document for educational reform; it is a visionary blueprint for building a developed India. It does not confine education to examinations, marks, and degrees but seeks to nurture citizens who are not only knowledgeable but also ethical, innovative, and deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and national responsibilities.

One of the most significant features of NEP 2020 is that it does not restrict moral education to a single subject or textbook. Rather, it seeks to integrate values into every dimension of education—the personality of the teacher, teaching methods, the institutional environment, community participation, and lived experiences. Moral education is not merely taught; it is lived. It is learned not through sermons but through example.

Distinguished Teachers,

The integrity of a teacher’s conduct is often more influential than any textbook. Likewise, a transparent and just educational institution silently imparts lessons in responsibility, discipline, and honesty. Similarly, the family is the child’s first school. The values imparted by parents and the home environment form the foundation of a child’s personality. Therefore, moral education is not solely the responsibility of schools; it is a shared responsibility of families, society, and the entire system.

Today, we have entered the age of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, and the Digital Revolution. While science and technology have opened new avenues of development, they have also brought significant ethical challenges. Misinformation, cybercrime, violations of privacy, and the misuse of technology are among the serious concerns of our time. It is therefore essential that students learn not only how to use technology but also how to use it responsibly, safely, and ethically.

I firmly believe that Artificial Intelligence can truly become a blessing for humanity only when it is guided by moral consciousness and human sensitivity. Science always derives its direction from values and wisdom.

Our Constitution also inspires us in this regard. Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are not merely constitutional ideals but the moral pillars of our national life. Alongside fundamental rights, the observance of fundamental duties is equally essential. Education must prepare citizens who are as committed to their duties as they are aware of their rights.

I am confident that the National Soldiers’ Organisation will continue to serve as a strong bridge between the world of education and society through its rich experience, discipline, and patriotism. The life experiences, leadership, and spirit of service demonstrated by our veterans will continue to inspire the youth with patriotism, commitment to duty, and self-confidence.

My Dear Young Friends,

The future of our nation is shaped by the thoughts, character, and determination of its youth. Today’s students will become tomorrow’s scientists, teachers, administrators, entrepreneurs, soldiers, and nation-builders. Therefore, it is essential that we equip our youth not only with competence but also with direction—not only with success but also with values, responsibility, and character.

Achieving success in life is important, but earning trust is even more important. Knowledge may take you to great heights, but it is character that enables you to remain there. A person’s true identity is defined not merely by achievements but by the values they uphold.

Today, India is moving forward with the Amrit Resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047. This is not merely an economic vision but a national commitment to building an India enriched with knowledge, science, culture, innovation, and human values. I firmly believe that the National Education Policy 2020 will prove to be the strongest foundation for realising this vision.

Let us all resolve to build an education system where knowledge is accompanied by virtue, excellence by ethics, science by wisdom, and leadership by a spirit of public service. Let us nurture a generation that does not merely earn degrees but fulfils its responsibility towards the nation—a generation that builds not only its own future but also strengthens the future of India.

With these words, I once again congratulate the National Soldiers’ Organisation for organising this excellent seminar. I am confident that today’s deliberations will provide valuable guidance for the effective implementation of the National Education Policy, the strengthening of value-based education, and the realisation of the vision of a Developed India and a Developed Uttarakhand.

Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!