Gorakhpur / New Delhi, Sep 7 (Bureau) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Saturday called upon citizens to actively participate in the ongoing campaign for realising the vision of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047. While addressing the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School in Gorakhpur in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Yogi Adityanath, the Vice President said, “Every person should make sacrifices for the ‘mission developed India’ because no sacrifice is too great when it comes to serving the country.’ He praised Uttar Pradesh as a shining example of progress, commending CM Yogi for the significant transformations witnessed in the state since 2017. Speaking highly of the state’s contributions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that UP has made a qualitative contribution to the distinct and strong identity of India in the world. He praised the transformative changes in UP under the leadership of CM Yogi, noting significant advancements in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and other sectors since 2017.
He contrasted the current state of progress with the pre-2017 era, when UP was plagued by fear and poor law and order, causing distress among the common people. The VP lauded the CM for his miraculous achievement of completing the Sainik School in Gorakhpur within just three years, a feat that was once deemed difficult and unimaginable. He emphasised that the success of this project, along with many others, reflects the strong faith in Yogi’s leadership, whose remarkable works resonate across the state. He said, “Indianness is our identity, and the nation is our religion.” He urged everyone to prioritise national interests above personal ones, warning that any compromise with nationalism would be a betrayal to the country. He asserted that those who question the nation’s integrity would not be tolerated. Reflecting on India’s transformation, Dhankar said that today’s India is far stronger than it was a decade ago.
He contrasted the past, when the country’s gold reserves were mortgaged in Swiss banks, with the present, where India’s gold reserves are robust. He highlighted the dramatic change in Kashmir, where, following the abolition of Article 370, more than two crore tourists have visited the region over the past two to three years. He reminded the audience that while the Constitution’s framers intended Article 370 to be temporary, some mistakenly viewed it as permanent. Addressing the students, the VP encouraged them not to fear failure, as it is often the starting point of success. He urged them to conquer the fear of failure, warning that it could stifle their potential. He pointed to the success of Chandrayaan 3, which he said was built on the partial success of Chandrayaan 2. “Education is the medium of change. Social evils can be attacked only through education,” he said. The VP also praised Purvanchal as a vital region of UP, commending the construction of the first Sainik School in the area. He exuded confidence that the school will play a crucial role in shaping future generations, standing as a testament to CM Yogi’s unique vision and impact. He recalled that the country’s first Sainik School was founded in Lucknow in 1960 by then CM Dr Sampurnanand.
“Now, decades later, CM Yogi Adityanath has surpassed that legacy, setting a new benchmark by swiftly establishing another Sainik School,” he said. Dhankar shared an emotional moment, recounting the day when CM Yogi personally visited his residence to extend an invitation for the inauguration of Sainik School Gorakhpur. He described the invitation as extraordinary, stating that CM Yogi’s attention to detail and thoughtfulness were evident in how he invited him not just as a dignitary, but as an alumnus of a Sainik School. Reflecting on the inauguration ceremony, the VP expressed how the event brought back vivid memories of his own time as a Sainik School student six decades ago. He described the experience as unforgettable, noting that CM Yogi’s efforts had created an indelible moment in his life. He emphasised that this invitation also served as a reminder of the transformative power of education, which has the ability to bridge inequalities and foster change. He lauded the newly established institution, expressing his belief that it will serve as an inspiration for other states to form similar societies and establish Sainik Schools of their own. He emphasised that the bond he has formed with Gorakhpur through this event will remain with him for life. During the ceremony, the VP paid tribute to Gorakshabhoomi, the historical and spiritual heartland of the Nath sect, and drew a personal connection between this sacred land and his home state of Rajasthan. He said that Mahant Digvijaynath Ji Maharaj, the grandfather of the current Goraksha Peethadheeshwar Yogi Adityanath, hailed from Udaipur, Rajasthan.
He reflected on his own connection to the region, recalling the time he served in the Lok Sabha alongside Yogi Adityanath’s mentor, Mahant Avedyanath, from whom he received blessings when he became a minister at the centre. Yogi honoured Vice President Dhankhar by presenting him with a shawl and a terracotta statue of Lord Ganesha. The Vice President’s wife, Dr Sudesh Dhankar, was felicitated with a terracotta statue of Ganesha by Minister of State for Secondary Education, Gulab Devi. Following the inauguration of Sainik School Gorakhpur, the Vice President accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a detailed inspection of the new institution. He toured the school’s facilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, the swimming pool and the residential complex. He also tried his hand at shooting at the newly established Eklavya Shooting Range. In a gesture reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability, he planted trees on the school grounds, sending a strong message about the importance of keeping nature green and maintaining a clean and beautiful environment.