Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the importance of values, discipline and moral principles in students’ lives while attending the Sanskar Diwas and Foundation Day celebrations at The TonsBridge School in Dehradun on Wednesday.
Students must dream big and work consistently to achieve their goals, drawing inspiration from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: CM
India is advancing rapidly in technology and innovation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership: CM
More than 35,000 youths have secured government jobs in five years through a transparent recruitment system: CM
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Sanskar Diwas and Foundation Day celebrations at The TonsBridge School in Dehradun as the chief guest. Extending his greetings to students, teachers, parents and other attendees, he said the occasion was not merely a celebration of the school’s establishment but also an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to Indian culture, traditions and life values.
The Chief Minister said education should not be limited to making students academically and professionally successful; it should also help them become good human beings. While knowledge shows individuals the path to progress, values inspire them to move in the right direction. Character, discipline, honesty and moral principles hold special significance in life, he said, appreciating the school’s efforts to promote Indian culture and traditions alongside modern education.
Dhami noted that The TonsBridge School was inaugurated in 2015 by former President of India and eminent scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Describing Dr Kalam’s life as a source of inspiration for students, he said the former President demonstrated that dreaming big must be accompanied by continuous hard work and determination to turn those dreams into reality.
The Chief Minister encouraged students to read Dr Kalam’s autobiography, Wings of Fire, saying his life experiences would motivate them to set goals and face challenges with confidence.
Highlighting the distinctive features of Indian culture, Dhami said the country’s traditions are rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. Respecting everyone, honouring elders, accepting diversity and helping those in need are integral to Indian values. These principles distinguish India’s cultural identity while strengthening harmony and cooperation in society, he said.
Referring to the school’s motto, Gyanam Bharah Kriyam Bina (knowledge without action is a burden), the Chief Minister said knowledge remains incomplete without action. Knowledge becomes meaningful only when applied in practice for the welfare of society and the nation. He expressed confidence that students would embrace this philosophy and give equal importance to action, responsibility and service alongside learning.
Dhami said India was making rapid progress in technology, innovation and modern science under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. With emerging technologies, skills and creativity expected to shape the future, students must develop proficiency in modern subjects while making yoga, meditation, discipline and good values an integral part of their lives. A balanced combination of modern knowledge and Indian values, he said, would strengthen their overall personality.
The Chief Minister said the National Education Policy places considerable emphasis on students’ holistic development, skill enhancement and creativity. The Uttarakhand government is also continuously working to prepare the state’s education system to meet future requirements.
He said the government aims not only to help young people secure jobs but also to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship, enabling them to create employment opportunities, become self-reliant and contribute to the economic progress of the state and the country.
Referring to measures taken to protect young people’s future and ensure transparency in recruitment, Dhami said a stringent anti-copying law had been implemented to curb cheating in competitive examinations. More than 35,000 youths have been provided government jobs over the past five years through a transparent recruitment system, he said. This achievement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring fair opportunities for young people and securing their future.
Motivating students, the Chief Minister said there was no shortcut to success. Hard work, discipline, honesty and a continuous desire to learn were the true foundations of achievement. Instead of becoming discouraged by failures, students should learn from them and move towards their goals with confidence.
He added that every student had immense potential to progress according to their talent and abilities. The key was to recognise that potential, provide it with the right direction and make consistent efforts.
Dhami said the state government remained committed to fulfilling its resolve to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country, guided by its principle of an “unwavering resolve with no alternative”. Educated, value-oriented, skilled and self-reliant young people would play a crucial role in achieving this goal, he said.
Expressing confidence in the students, the Chief Minister said they would bring honour to Uttarakhand and the country through their knowledge, talent and strong values.
Officials associated with the management and administration of The TonsBridge School, teachers, parents, students and other distinguished guests were present at the event.
