19-07-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor at the 15th Young Thinkers Meet

(Date: July 19, 2026) Venue: Lekhak Gaon, Dehradun

Theme: War and Narratives

Jai Hind!

Respected Dr. Ram Madhav Ji, President of India Foundation, distinguished guests on the dais, eminent scholars, policy experts, young thinkers from across the country, and all those gathered here on the sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand—I extend my warm greetings and heartfelt welcome to each one of you.

It is a matter of great pleasure for me to be present with you at the valedictory session of the 15th Young Thinkers Meet. Over the past three days, you have engaged in meaningful deliberations on the highly relevant and strategically significant theme of “War and Narratives.” I am confident that the ideas generated here will not remain confined to this conference but will contribute meaningfully to shaping India’s future strategic, intellectual, and policy discourse.

Our Vedic tradition offers us an inspiring mantra:

“Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam Sam Vo Manansi Janatam.”

It means: Let us walk together, think together, and unite our minds in harmony. This is the essence of India’s timeless civilizational philosophy. The true strength of a nation lies not merely in its military capability or economic power, but in its collective consciousness, national character, and shared narrative. Therefore, today’s theme is not only about strategic affairs but also about nation-building.

Having served the nation as a soldier for over four decades, I have learned that the ultimate victory in any war is determined not only on the battlefield but also in the collective consciousness of the nation.

The nature of warfare has constantly evolved. Conflicts were once confined to land borders, later expanded to the seas and skies, and today they have entered the human mind itself. Cyberspace, artificial intelligence, outer space, information systems, and economic networks have become the new dimensions of modern warfare.

Today’s conflicts are no longer limited to information warfare. We have entered the era of cognitive warfare and psychological warfare. A nation no longer needs to be invaded physically to be weakened. If confusion, distrust, and division are successfully created within its society, its strength begins to erode from within.

That is why it is often said, “Perception is Power.” In the modern era, narratives have become an essential pillar of national power and national security. Increasingly, the first battle is fought not at the border but within public consciousness and global opinion.

In every global conflict today, one of the greatest challenges is establishing the truth. Deepfakes, fake news, social media, and digital platforms are increasingly used to manipulate public opinion. Consequently, the credibility of information, fact-based thinking, and digital awareness have become indispensable pillars of national security.

India, too, has faced these challenges on numerous occasions. Alongside the decisive actions of our Armed Forces against terrorism, we have also confronted sustained campaigns of misinformation. While our soldiers displayed extraordinary courage on the frontlines, the nation stood united in presenting the truth before the world. This clearly demonstrates that modern wars are won not only through military strength but also through credibility, trust, and moral conviction.

For India, this is not a new concept. Our civilization has always regarded truth, righteousness, and dialogue as the foundations of strength. Acharya Kautilya’s principles of Sama, Dama, Danda, and Bheda remind us that national power rests not only on military capability but equally on sound policy, wisdom, and public confidence. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna made every possible effort to preserve peace before war became inevitable. That reflects India’s enduring character—respect for strength, but its use only in the service of righteousness, justice, and the greater good.

“Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) are the guiding principles of our national life. India’s narrative has always been rooted in truth, harmony, coexistence, and the welfare of humanity—not in domination. That is why India has consistently shown the world the path of dialogue rather than conflict, unity rather than division, and cooperation rather than confrontation.

A nation is not merely a geographical territory. It is shaped by its cultural consciousness, shared values, and national character. When a society possesses strong character, no propaganda, ideological assault, or divisive narrative can defeat it.

The need of the hour is for India to shape its own narrative, write its own story, and present it to the world with confidence. If we fail to articulate our civilization, history, and achievements ourselves, others will define them through their own perspectives.

Today’s India is self-confident, self-reliant, and deeply proud of its civilizational heritage. Our democratic traditions, the Chandrayaan missions, digital transformation, yoga, and our growing global leadership all form the pillars of India’s powerful narrative. These achievements must be presented before the world with facts, confidence, and dignity. This is both our responsibility and our national duty.

The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, articulated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, is not merely a roadmap for economic prosperity. It is a national mission to build an India that is self-reliant, innovative, culturally rooted, globally responsible, and confident of its identity. Such a vision requires not only economic and military strength but also a strong, positive, and truth-based national narrative.

During India’s G20 Presidency, the message of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” reflected the modern expression of our ancient civilizational wisdom. Today, the world increasingly sees India not only as a major economy but also as a trusted partner, a responsible democracy, and a nation inspired by enduring human values. That trust is among our greatest strengths.

Dear Young Friends,

Nations progress not only through governments but also through ideas. Universities, research institutions, and think tanks serve as the intellectual laboratories of every developed nation. Your responsibility as young thinkers is not merely to analyse the present but to create ideas that shape the future.

Today, every young person carries a powerful digital platform. You are not merely consumers of information but also creators of ideas and influencers of society. Every thought you express, every conversation you engage in, and every message you share contributes to shaping the nation’s narrative. Therefore, your narrative must always be guided by truth, facts, national interest, and responsibility towards humanity.

The sacred land of Uttarakhand inspires us with these very values. It is a unique confluence of spirituality, culture, and valour. The sacred Char Dham shrines, the spiritual legacy of the Himalayas, and the proud military traditions of this land define its unique identity. While our soldiers safeguard the nation’s geographical frontiers, young thinkers like you can become guardians of India’s intellectual frontiers. That is the enduring message of this sacred land.

I would like to place before you five simple appeals:

First, make truth your strongest foundation. Never accept or share information without verifying its authenticity.

Second, embrace emerging technologies and strive for excellence in every new field of knowledge.

Third, remain connected with your civilization, culture, and history, for only a society rooted in its heritage can confidently lead the future.

Fourth, always honour the sacrifices of our soldiers, for it is because of their courage that we enjoy the freedom to think, speak, and innovate.

Finally, place India’s unity above everything else. No divisive narrative can prevail against a united and resilient society.

Swami Vivekananda’s timeless call continues to inspire us even today:

“Uttishthata, Jagrata, Prapya Varan Nibodhata.”

Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is achieved.

India is passing through the transformative period of Amrit Kaal. This is not merely an era of development but an era of national resurgence. We must build an India that leads in science, remains confident in its culture, stands firm in its national character, and is fully committed to the welfare of humanity.

The wars of the twenty-first century will be fought not only across borders but also within the realm of ideas and public consciousness. Therefore, we must build a narrative that is inspired by truth, strengthened by science, enriched by culture, and dedicated entirely to the national interest.

I am fully confident that the deliberations of this 15th Young Thinkers Meet will provide fresh direction to India’s intellectual future. You are not merely the future of India—you are the architects of the narrative of a developed, confident, and capable nation towards which the entire country is moving.

“Aa No Bhadrah Kratavo Yantu Vishwatah.”

Let noble thoughts come to us from every direction.

Let us all work together to build an India that is strong in power, noble in thought, unwavering in character, proud of its culture, and dedicated to the service of humanity. This is the foundation of a developed India, the message of our timeless civilization, and the resolve of Amrit Kaal.

With these words, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the India Foundation for organizing this outstanding event. I also convey my best wishes to all the distinguished scholars, organizers, and especially the young thinkers gathered here today. I am confident that through your knowledge, character, patriotism, and spirit of innovation, you will become strong builders of a Viksit Bharat.

Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!