Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the changing perceptions of warfare, pointing out that national security has expanded to include economic, digital, energy, and food security. Addressing the Raising Day celebrations and the Diamond Jubilee of Sainik School, Ghorakhal in Uttarakhand, he remarked that the nature of contemporary conflicts goes beyond conventional military boundaries. He stressed the necessity of a well-prepared military supported by a committed citizenry capable of responding to various threats that may arise.

Call for Vigilance in the Face of Modern Threats

During his address, Singh discussed how nations can be undermined through economic, cyber, and information warfare. He called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant and mentally prepared for any scenario. He noted that the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is making significant investments in advanced military technologies to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces.

Encouraging Youth to Develop Essential Attributes for Nation-Building

Singh urged students to cultivate qualities such as Vision, Understanding, Courage, and Adaptability, which he collectively referred to as VUCA. He explained that these traits are crucial for navigating the challenges of contemporary society. In line with fostering these values, the government has initiated plans to establish 100 new Sainik Schools through a Public-Private Partnership model and increased the National Cadet Corps (NCC) intake capacity from 17 lakh to 20 lakh cadets.

Historic Steps Towards Gender Inclusion in Defense Education

The Defence Minister characterized the admission of girls into Sainik Schools as both historic and transformative, emphasizing its role in empowering ‘Nari Shakti’ or women’s strength in the nation. He expressed optimism that these opportunities will enable female students to become leaders across various sectors in the future.

Acknowledgment of Sainik School’s Legacy and Contributions

Singh congratulated the Sainik School, Ghorakhal community, including students, faculty, and alumni, on reaching the milestone of 60 years of service to the nation. He voiced confidence that students from this institution would continue to exemplify discipline and dedication, contributing positively to their families and the nation at large. Over its long history, the school has successfully guided more than 800 students to the National Defence Academy and over 2,000 into the Armed Forces through various entry examinations.

Inspiration from Distinguished Alumni

He noted that distinguished alumni, such as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, Lt Gen MK Katiyar, serve as role models for current students, inspiring them to aspire for excellence and leadership in the service of the country. Singh expressed hope that the Sainik School will continue to nurture future leaders who will play a vital role in nation-building.

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