“Have a Goal for Nation, Not Self”: VP Dhankhar Inspires Youth at Sherwood College

GG News Bureau
Nainital, 27th June: Calling upon the youth to think beyond themselves and rise in service of society and the nation, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday addressed the 156th Founders’ Day celebrations of Sherwood College, Nainital, delivering a stirring call for nationalism, innovation, and individual responsibility in shaping a developed India.

“Don’t have a narrow or self-centered goal. Have a goal for society, for humanity, for the nation,” the Vice President told students, urging them to adopt a broader vision for their lives. “Those remembered in history are the ones who lived and worked for others,” he said, calling for a spirit of selfless service.

Nationalism Without Qualification
Highlighting India’s civilisational depth, he asserted, “Bharat, a unique nation with 5,000 years of civilisational depth, deserves nationalism without qualification.” He urged students to imbibe the motto of placing the nation first, calling it the minimum duty for every citizen.

Dhankhar said education is a divine equaliser and a powerful force against inequality and injustice. “Quality education, accessible and affordable, is a gift. If you receive it in a nation of 1.4 billion, you are truly privileged,” he added.

Message to Parents: Let Children Choose
Appealing to parents, the Vice President stated, “Parenthood is the most important obligation you owe to humanity. Do not impose your ambitions on your children. Let them choose their own path.” He warned against a societal push that limits youth to chasing wealth and power alone, urging space for scientists, artists, and thinkers to thrive.

Growth, Legacy, and Responsibility
Reflecting on India’s recent journey, Dhankhar said, “The last decade for Bharat has been a decade of growth and development—one of finding a new place in the global order.” He added, “Bharat is no longer a country of untapped potential. We are a nation on the rise—exponentially and continually.”

Pointing to alumni like Major Som Nath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, he reminded students of Sherwood College’s proud legacy. He also referenced actor Amitabh Bachchan, stressing, “Work is worship—there is no age to stop contributing.”

“Their legacy is your responsibility now. You must create new benchmarks,” Dhankhar told the students.

Adapting to a Fast-Changing World
“The world is changing too fast—don’t be overtaken by it,” he said, encouraging students to become creators of the change they want to see. “Formulate the change Bharat wants—a change good for the entire planet. That’s the spirit behind India’s G-20 motto: One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

Praising India’s digital revolution, he said, “India has the highest number of smartphones and unmatched digital penetration. Technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT are no longer future talk—they’re shaping schools, homes, and workplaces.”

With 65% of India’s population under 35, Dhankhar called the youth India’s greatest strength. “The world is looking to India not just for its rise, but for its demographic dividend. We are younger than China and the US. Now is our moment.”