Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hailed Uttar Pradesh as a shining example of progress, saying it plays a key role in shaping India’s unique global identity and every citizen will have to make a sacrifice in the ‘Developed India’ mission.

Vice President Dhankhar was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School in Gorakhpur on Saturday. In his address, he called upon citizens to actively participate in the ongoing campaign for realising the vision of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047.

He said, “Every person should make sacrifices for the ‘Developed India Mission’ because no sacrifice is too great when it comes to serving the country.”

Hailing Uttar Pradesh as a shining example of progress, the vice president commended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the significant transformations witnessed in the state since 2017. He said that Uttar Pradesh had made a qualitative contribution in the distinct and strong identity of India in the world.

He praised the transformative changes in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi, noting significant advancements in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and other sectors since 2017.

He remarked: “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.

The vice president 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 framers of the Constitution intended Article 370 to be temporary, some mistakenly viewed it as permanent.

Vice President Dhankhar also praised Purvanchal as a vital region of Uttar Pradesh, 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 Chief Minister Yogi’s unique vision and impact.

The vice president recalled that the country’s first Sainik School was founded in Lucknow in 1960 by then-Chief Minister Dr Sampurnanand. “Now, decades later, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has surpassed that legacy, setting a new benchmark by swiftly establishing another Sainik School,” he stated.

The vice president shared an emotional moment, recounting the day when Chief Minister Yogi personally visited his residence to extend an invitation for the inauguration of Sainik School Gorakhpur. He described the invitation as extraordinary, noting that Chief Minister 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 vice president 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 Chief Minister 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.

The vice president 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.

He reflected on his own connection to the region, recalling the time he served in the Lok Sabha alongside Yogi Adityanath’s mentor, Mahant Avaidyanath, from whom he received blessings when he became a minister at the Centre.

Following the inauguration of the Sainik School Gorakhpur, Vice President Dhankhar inspected 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, the vice president planted trees on the school grounds, sending a strong message about the importance of keeping nature green and maintaining a clean and beautiful environment.

The day’s events commenced with the National Anthem and Saraswati Vandana as the vice president took the stage. The highlight of the ceremony was an emotional drama staged by the cadets, depicting the transition from student life to military service.