Cultivate Strength and Wisdom to Face Life’s Challenges: VP Dhankhar to Cadets at RIMC

GG News Bureau
Dehradun, 1st Sept. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday addressed the cadets of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun, calling on them to live by the institution’s motto, “बल विवेक” (Strength and Conscience).

He emphasized the importance of cultivating strength and wisdom to overcome life’s challenges, stating, “Strength and Conscience make a formidable combination that generates impregnability when challenged.”

The Vice-President underscored the significance of placing national interest above all else, urging the cadets to serve the country with pride and fearlessness. “Bharat-Mata beckons you. The nation’s future rests on your shoulders. Your conduct must exemplify discipline, decorum, and empathy,” he remarked.

In his speech, the Vice-President also called upon the alumni and the RIMC fraternity to act as a think tank, encouraging them to instill a spirit of nationalism in the youth. He emphasized the importance of countering anti-national sentiments and recognizing India’s phenomenal economic growth and rise on the global stage.

Quoting Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s address to RIMC cadets in 1962, Vice-President Dhankhar said, “The earth belongs to the brave, to the strong in spirit, not to the idle, not to the lazy and not to the incompetent. In this world of great competition and rivalry, each one of us will have to lead a life of self-control and sacrifice.”

He urged the cadets to stand tall in the face of adversity, stating, “Those who dare to stand tall and take risks in the face of adversity are the ones that represent courage, initiative, and leadership.”

Vice-President Dhankhar also advised the cadets not to fear failure, describing it as a stepping stone to success. “Fear of fear impedes the exploitation of your talent and the realization of your potential. Always remember, fear is a necessary component of our growth journey,” he added.

Highlighting the success of India’s Chandrayaan missions, the Vice-President illustrated how initial setbacks were steps toward success. “Chandrayaan 2 largely succeeded but not fully. For some, it was a failure, but for the wise ones, it was a step towards success,” he said, celebrating India’s historic achievement with Chandrayaan 3.

Praising the inclusion of girls in RIMC and Sainik schools, Vice-President Dhankhar noted that these steps reflect significant strides toward gender equality and justice. He also hailed the proposed reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislatures as a potential game changer.

The event was also attended by Lt. Gen Gurmeet Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand, Col. Rahul Agarwal, Commandant of RIMC, as well as cadets, faculty members, and other dignitaries.