Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated Vidyadhiraja Vidyapeetom Sainik School in Alappuzha district of Kerala on January 22, 2025. The school is among the 100 new Sainik Schools being set-up in partnership mode with NGOs/Trusts/Private schools/State Government schools in a graded manner, in addition to the existing 33 already functioning under the erstwhile pattern.
Addressing the students and the faculty, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the school will play a key role in inculcating the values of discipline, dedication, self-control and service to the nation among the students.
He stated that the aim to establish 100 new Sainik Schools is to improve the quality of basic education for the overall development of the nation. “Sainik Schools offer training which is different from pure education.
Here, students are given academic and physical training. The objective is physical, mental and moral development of children. Due to this, those who wish to join the Armed Forces achieve their goal easily.
Thus, this confluence of ‘defence’ and ‘education’ is pivotal to nation-building,” Shri Rajnath Singh said. Raksha Mantri reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call to every Indian to join hands in shaping the nation’s future, overcoming challenges, and taking pride in its achievements, in order to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The youth will play a key role in transforming India from being a developing nation to a developed one, he said. “It is being said that those born after January 01, 2025 will be called ‘beta generation’ and will have higher capacity to learn new things & new technologies.
In the coming years, this school will provide a stepping-stone to them to make India a developed nation. By excelling in academics and building character, our students will provide leadership to not only 21st century, but also the next one,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.
Raksha Mantri emphasised that the word ‘Sainik’ not only signifies being a warrior or proficient in the art of war; it also symbolises that a soldier possesses numerous qualities such as discipline, dedication, self-control and selfless service to the nation.
He added that great personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Adi Shankaracharya, Shri Narayan Guru or Raja Ravi Verma possessed these qualities, and Sainik Schools make a significant contribution to inculcate these values in the society, especially the youth.
Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the Government is establishing Sainik Schools to create an India, which will be led by those who follow the path shown by the ancestors, adopt their qualities, and bring glory to the country in the entire world.
He added that the school is named after the great Social Reformer Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swami whose works and zeal for social reform act as an inspiration to use education as a tool for self-attainment & service of motherland.
He appreciated the efforts of the school’s management towards imbibing modern education as well as right values in the students. Raksha Mantri added that Sainik Schools not only impart quality education to all sections of the society, but also provide equal opportunities to girls.
“Our Government believes that when Sainik Schools are playing a pivotal role in the development of children, girls cannot be left behind. While women are being given Permanent Commission in the Armed Forces, Sainik Schools are creating a strong base for women to join the military in large numbers.
This would realise our vision of presenting Bharat with strong, patriotic, proud and disciplined young citizens who are assets to the nation,” he said. Highlighting India’s rapid progress on the path of self-reliance, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that new heights are being achieved in sectors like health, communication, industry, transport and defence through enhanced collaboration of public & private sectors.
He reiterated the Government’s endeavor that the youth moves forward in life in accordance with their aspirations while ensuring overall development of the nation.