Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan launched

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 2

Governor Dr KK Paul today launched the Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan in Uttarakhand by presenting VCs of universities with portraits of Param Vir Chakra winners.

The Governor presented these portraits to Vice-Chancellors of state universities and representatives of colleges to be displayed at these institutions. CDs of these photos were also presented to them. The mission is an effort to send out a message that not only soldiers but every citizen and every youth of this country is responsible for the safety of the country. It is the brainchild of former Rajya Sabha member Tarun Vijay.

It has been proposed to construct at least one 15-20 feet wall on higher educational institution campuses to display the portraits of 21 soldiers decorated with the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military recognition, under the “Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan”.

Yogendra Yadav, who was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra after the Kargil war, was present on the occasion. The Governor praised his valour and said these were the real heroes of the country who are role models for our young generation.

The Governor said after Independence, the highest military honour was the Param Vir Chakra. He said it was a matter of great pride that Yogendra Yadav was present on the occasion. Heroes like him would always give inspiration to new generations.

Governor KK Paul said this nationwide mission would create a strong feeling of patriotism and also great respect for our soldiers. The Governor said watching these portraits of the brave soldiers and knowing their stories would help youngsters focus on a positive direction in life. It would inspire them to serve the country.

The Higher Education Minister, Dhan Singh Rawat, was present on the occasion and said the state had become the first state of the country to launch this mission after it was launched at JNU by the Defence Minister, Arun Jaitley, and the Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar.