24-08-2026 : Address to Students from the Border Areas of Kumaon Visiting under Operation Sadbhavana.

Jai Hind!

My dear children, my young friends from the border areas of Kumaon, I extend a very warm welcome to all of you to Lok Bhavan, Dehradun.

It gives me immense pleasure to meet you today. You have travelled here from Munsiyari and other remote areas of Kumaon. For many of you, this may be your first major journey outside your villages. I can therefore understand the excitement you must be feeling and the many new experiences you are having at this moment.

You are children of a land where the national border is a part of everyday life. The mountains of Kumaon are known for their traditions of courage, valour and patriotism. Many families from your villages have contributed to the defence of our nation. Therefore, today, you are representing not only your villages but also the spirit of India’s border communities.

Your visit has been organised under Operation Sadbhavana of the Indian Army. Sadbhavana means coming closer to one another, understanding one another and building bonds of friendship and goodwill. Through this journey, you are getting an opportunity to visit different parts of the country, meet people from different backgrounds and understand India’s incredible diversity. I congratulate the Indian Army for this beautiful initiative.

Children, you have already visited several important places in Delhi. You have seen Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Kartavya Path and the Red Fort. You also visited the National War Memorial and paid tribute to our brave soldiers. Each of these places has its own story and significance.

One of the most special moments of your journey must have been your interaction with the Hon’ble President of India. I can imagine how memorable that experience must have been for children who have travelled so far from their villages for the first time. By visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan, you got an opportunity to see our democratic system from close quarters. At the National War Memorial, you were reminded of the sacrifice of our brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

I encourage you to preserve these experiences in your memories, but also understand the deeper message behind them. Rashtrapati Bhavan reminds us of the strength of our democracy and Constitution. The Red Fort connects us with our history. The National War Memorial teaches us the meaning of duty and sacrifice.

Your journey ahead will also take you to several important institutions in Dehradun. You will visit institutions such as the Indian Military Academy, the Rashtriya Indian Military College and the Forest Research Institute. At these institutions, you will see different dimensions of education, discipline, leadership, science and service to the nation.

When you visit the Indian Military Academy and the Rashtriya Indian Military College, do not limit yourself to seeing their buildings and campuses. Try to understand the life and values associated with these institutions. Observe the hard work of the young people there. Observe their discipline. Think about how they prepare themselves to achieve their goals.

During my military career, I learnt one important lesson: discipline teaches us to remain committed to our goals, while leadership teaches us to take responsibility. Whatever profession you choose in life, these two qualities will always serve you well.

Some of you may become soldiers, some doctors, teachers, scientists, engineers, civil servants or entrepreneurs. You have countless opportunities before you. Therefore, from today itself, carry the belief in your heart that you too can dream big and that you have the ability to turn those dreams into reality.

The fact that your village is located in the distant mountains does not determine the height of your dreams. If you have hard work, talent and the desire to learn, there is no shortage of opportunities before you. India is progressing rapidly in the fields of science, technology, space, sports, education and innovation. You can become an important part of this journey of a New India.

Children, never forget your roots. Take pride in your motherland, your language, your culture and your traditions. As you travel to different parts of the country, you will see different languages, cuisines, clothing and cultures. Through these experiences, you will discover the beauty of India.

We may be different, yet we are one. This is India’s greatest strength.

From Delhi to Dehradun, Bareilly and Lucknow, your journey will show you many different facets of India. You will meet different people, listen to their experiences and understand their lives. These experiences will strengthen within you the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

I want to tell you one more thing. Do not keep this journey limited to yourselves. When you return to your villages, share your experiences with your parents, teachers and other children in your village. Tell them what you saw, what you learnt and what inspired you. In this way, the experience of your journey will reach your entire village.

You have come from border villages. Remember this: border villages are not the last villages of India; they are the first villages of India. The education, development and prosperity of these villages are the foundation of a strong Uttarakhand and a strong India. Children like you are the future of these villages.

Therefore, as you leave from here today, I want you to carry a small resolve in your hearts:

I will study with dedication.
I will respect my parents and my teachers.
I will take pride in my village and my culture.
I will embrace honesty and discipline in my life.
And whatever I become, I will strive to give my best in the service of my nation.

For us, the nation comes first.

Nation First means understanding not only our rights but also our responsibilities. Wherever we live and whatever profession we pursue, we must contribute towards making our country stronger.

My dear children, you began this journey from your villages. When you return, I do not want you to carry only memories of the places you visited. I want you to return with greater confidence, bigger dreams, new knowledge and an even deeper love for India.

Study well, move forward, make your families and villages proud, and one day, through your actions and achievements, make the entire Uttarakhand and India proud.

With my best wishes for a bright and successful future for all of you.

Jai Hind!