Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing the 156th Founders’ Celebration of Sherwood College in Nainital, called upon students to pursue goals that serve society, the nation, and humanity at large, rather than chasing self-interest or narrow ambition.
“Don’t have a narrow goal. Don’t have a self-centered goal. Have a goal for society, for humanity, for the nation,” the Vice-President said, urging students to draw inspiration from figures remembered across centuries—those who gave back to society.
Championing an inclusive and aspirational vision for India, he described the past decade as a period of exponential development, citing infrastructure growth, economic ascent, and global recognition. “The last decade for Bharat has been a decade of development, a decade of growth, a decade of finding a new place in the global order,” he remarked, emphasizing that Viksit Bharat is not merely a dream, but a destination.
The Vice-President stressed the importance of patriotism without qualifications, declaring that “Bharat, a unique nation with 5,000 years of civilisational depth, deserves nationalism that is unrestricted.”
Dhankhar also addressed the transformative role of quality education. Labeling it a divine gift and a great equalizer, he said, “Equality in law or otherwise can be optimally and best secured only through education. Education hits very hard at inequities, injustice.”
Appealing directly to parents, he emphasized that parenthood is a responsibility owed not just to children but to all of humanity. He urged families to allow children the freedom to define their own aspirations rather than steering them toward status or wealth alone. “If parents decide, all of them will end up being in pursuit of money or power. Where would we have scientists, astronomers, or thinkers who shape destiny?”
Drawing from the school’s own legacy, the Vice-President reminded students that they walk the same corridors once graced by Indian icons such as Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the architect of the 1971 war victory. He also referenced actor Amitabh Bachchan, stating, “There is no age for work—you must continue to contribute.”
He reflected on the school’s motto, Mereat Quisque Palmam (“Let each one merit their prize”), stating, “Don’t just rival others. Keep attaining a higher level for yourself. And in doing so, help others even if they surpass you—that will be your contribution.”
Highlighting India’s demographic dividend, Dhankhar noted that with 65 percent of the population under 35 and a median age of 28, India is a decade younger than countries like China and the US. He urged students to not be overtaken by rapid global change but to become creators of the change they wish to see.
“We have moved from landlines as privilege to having the world’s largest number of smartphones. Our digital penetration and connectivity are unrivaled,” he said, adding that students must be agile in adapting to fast-evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning.
Concluding, the Vice-President urged the youth to carry forward the legacy of greatness and responsibility left by their predecessors. “Their achievements are your foundation, but their legacy is your responsibility. You now have to create new benchmarks.”
