05-09-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand to the Students from Leh on a National Integration Tour
Jai Hind!
It gives me immense pleasure to warmly welcome all of you to Lok Bhavan, Dehradun. You have come from the land of Ladakh—a region known for its towering mountains, challenging conditions, breathtaking natural beauty and courageous people. You come from India’s frontier land. Always remember: you do not live at the last edge of the country; you live on India’s front line. This is a matter of great pride and honour for you.
As part of this National Integration Tour, you have set out with your teachers to see, understand and learn from different parts of India. My heartfelt wish is that this journey gives a new direction and a new perspective to your lives.
My dear students,
This is a journey to know India and to connect with India. In Ladakh, you see one expression of India; in Uttarakhand, another; and in other parts of the country, you will encounter many more colours and traditions.
The languages may be different, the food may be different, and the clothes, customs and traditions may vary. But everywhere you will find the Tricolour, you will hear the National Anthem, and you will meet people who proudly call themselves Indians. This is India’s greatest strength—unity in diversity.
Therefore, do not travel merely as tourists; travel as learners. Meet people, understand their lives and record your experiences in your notebooks. When you return to Leh, share what you have learned with your families, friends and school. Return as ambassadors of national unity.
My young friends,
You are at an important stage of life, where the decisions and commitments you make today will shape the direction of your future. Therefore, never make your dreams small.
Today, knowledge has no geographical boundaries. Every one of you can reach great heights in whichever field you choose through talent, hard work and determination. Your knowledge, your actions and your achievements can become a source of strength for India.
Your birthplace gives you your roots; it does not define the limits of your future. Turn your dreams into reality through hard work, discipline and determination.
You cannot reach the summit of a mountain in a single leap. You have to move forward one step at a time. Life is much the same. Studying every day, learning a new skill, correcting your mistakes and overcoming your weaknesses—these small steps ultimately lead to success.
There will be difficult days, and there will be failures. At such times, remember the mountains of Ladakh, which stand firm amidst storms and snow. Learn resilience from the mountains. Be patient. Keep moving forward.
Remember, failure is not a full stop; it may simply be a comma in the story of success.
My dear students,
Success is important, but character is even more important. One day, people may not ask how many awards you won; they will ask what kind of human being you became.
Be honest. Be trustworthy. Be courageous and compassionate. Have the courage to call wrong what is wrong, and the humility to acknowledge your own mistakes. The true test of character comes when there is no one watching you.
During this journey, you will meet personnel of the Indian Army and visit the Indian Military Academy. Do not merely look at the uniform; look at the discipline, dedication and sense of duty behind it. They are preparing themselves for a life in which the nation comes before the individual.
But serving the nation does not mean only becoming a soldier. A scientist serves India by creating knowledge; a doctor by saving lives; a teacher by giving direction to young minds; a farmer by feeding the nation; and an artist by enriching our culture.
Nation-building is the responsibility of all of us, and it begins with each one of us.
My dear students,
You will also visit the Forest Research Institute. Students of Ladakh understand the importance of nature. Our Himalayas are not merely beautiful mountains; they are a national heritage. They are the source of our rivers, forests and rich biodiversity.
Your generation has the responsibility to become their alert, responsible and committed guardians.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence will transform the future. Make technology your tool, not your master. Do not immediately believe everything you see on a screen. Ask questions, verify information, think critically and then make your decisions.
The ability to think independently is the mark of an educated citizen.
My dear daughters, never place limits on your dreams. Build your identity in life with education, confidence and courage. Your success will not merely be your personal achievement; it will become an inspiration for generations to come.
My young friends, be confident, but remain humble. Be strong, but use your strength wisely. Be ambitious, but never lose your sensitivity and compassion.
Remember, true leadership is not about making others feel small; it is about helping others move forward and become stronger.
My young friends,
Be proud of your roots. Be proud of Ladakh, your school, your families and your teachers. At the same time, keep your minds open to learning from everyone you meet.
Keep Ladakh in your heart and India in your soul.
When you return to Leh, ask yourselves four questions:
What did I learn?
What inspired me?
What new dream did I discover?
And most importantly, what can I do for my country?
Today, you are students. Tomorrow, you will be responsible citizens and nation-builders of India. You will build the India of tomorrow.
Your education, your character, your courage and your compassion will shape the future of our nation.
Therefore, study with purpose, work with discipline and face difficulties with determination. Respect people and serve them with humility.
Before you leave, I want you to always remember three things:
Your circumstances do not determine your future; your effort does.
Your achievements may make you successful, but your character makes you worthy.
And wherever you go in life, do not merely ask, “What can India give me?” Always ask yourself, “What can I give to India?”
I am confident that years from now, when you look back on this journey, you will realise that it not only gave you a new way of seeing India, but also a new way of seeing yourselves.
Enjoy this journey. Learn from it. Make new friends and create beautiful memories. When you return to Leh, do not take back only photographs and memories. Take back new experiences, a new resolve and a desire to contribute something meaningful to India.
May you become citizens of whom your families, your schools, Ladakh and our great nation can be proud.
May the dreams that rise from the heights of Ladakh touch the heights of India. That is my heartfelt wish for all of you.
I give you my blessings and extend my warmest wishes for a bright and successful future.
Jai Hind!