Think big, be fearless: VP inspires students in Sirsa

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited Sirsa on Wednesday where he attended convocation ceremonies at Mata Harki Devi College at Odhan village and JCD Vidyapeeth in Sirsa.

He awarded degrees to 362 students at Mata Harki Devi College and 400 students at JCD Vidyapeeth, encouraging them to embrace new opportunities and think beyond traditional career paths.

Speaking at the events, the Vice-President stated the need for a change in mindset, especially among students from farming families. He recalled the famous slogan of Lal Bahadur Shastri “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and how Atal Bihari Vajpayee later added “Jai Vigyan”.

Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expanded it to “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”, highlighting the importance of research and innovation.

Adding his own perspective, Dhankhar said, “I want to say ‘Jai Pahalwan’ as well because Haryana is not only the land of farmers and soldiers, but also of great athletes.”

He urged students to think beyond traditional career choices saying, “The rural economy needs transformation and you are the ones who will bring this change. Do not be afraid of failure. It is the key to success.”

At Mata Harki Devi College, Dhankhar extended a special invitation to students and faculty to visit Parliament as his guests. He assured them that he would personally receive them and host a lunch. “It will be my honour to welcome you,” he said, making the students excited about the opportunity.

The Vice-President paid tributes to Chaudhary Devi Lal, former Deputy Prime Minister of India, and Om Prakash Chautala, former Chief Minister of Haryana. He shared how his political journey was inspired by Devi Lal’s guidance. “Devi Lal was not just a person. He was a movement, a thought. When I first met him in Jaipur, he told me to contest elections and become a leader. His teachings have always guided me,” he said.

At JCD Vidyapeeth, he inaugurated a museum dedicated to OP Chautala, which will preserve memories and contributions of the late leader.

The annual convocation ceremony was attended by chief guest Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and special guest, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar. Along with them were Cabinet Minister Ranbir Singh Gangwa, INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala, former minister Prof Sampat Singh, Arjun Singh Chautala, Chairman of the JCD and MLA of Rania, former MP Sunita Duggal and Dr Jai Parkash, Director General of JCD. After concluding his programmes, Vice-President Dhankhar had lunch at the residence of Abhay Chautala on Dabwali Road.

Due to the Vice-President’s visit, strict security measures were implemented throughout Sirsa with the district administration and police on high alert. Security checks were carried out at JCD Vidyapeeth and the main roads leading to the event venue were temporarily closed to ensure smooth movement. As a result, barricades were set up on Barnala and Dabwali roads, leading to traffic jams. Hundreds of vehicles had to take alternative routes, causing delays.