Merit meets purpose: Himachal Governor Shukla inspires students to excel with values

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated two-day Meritorious Student Felicitation Programme, organised by Himachal Shiksha Samiti, at Saraswati Vidya Mandir School here today. A total of 154 students from 48 schools across the state participated in ‘Samman Varg’, including meritorious students from Class 10 and 12 of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education. On the occasion, the Governor felicitated both current and former outstanding students for their academic achievements.

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In his address, the Governor said this recognition ceremony not only serves to encourage talented students but also sends a strong message to society that true education lies in hard work, discipline, values, culture and a spirit of service. He said these awards are a testament of perseverance, discipline and self-confidence of students.

Highlighting the need for socially conscious youth, the Governor said, “Today, the nation needs a generation that not only reaches personal heights but also takes society along on the path of progress. Students must always think in terms of the nation, culture and community.”

He urged students not to limit their ambitions to securing jobs but to understand their greater role and responsibilities in nation-building. “Success is meaningful only when it carries the spirit of service to society. Knowledge is truly valuable when accompanied by humility and education is complete only when it makes an individual self-reliant, dignified and devoted to the nation,” he said.

The Governor expressed satisfaction over the work being done by Vidya Bharati, which is running 190 Saraswati Vidya Mandirs across the state, including in remote areas like Killar and Dodra Kwar. These institutions are supported by 2,000 teachers and serve nearly 26,000 students. The Governor said the first Shishu Mandir was established in Gorakhpur and since then committed educators have made sacrifices to spread education rooted in Indian values.

All-India General Secretary of Vidya Bharati, Deshraj Sharma, said the core mission of the organisation is the welfare of the world and its educational model is aligned with Indian culture.