Correspondent
IMPHAL, Sep 8: Vice President of India Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan arrived in Imphal on Tuesday as part of his four-day northeast states tour.
During his brief stay in the state, the Vice President accompanied by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla and chief minister Y Khemchand Singh, among others, visited INA Martyrs’ Memorial Complex at Moirang in Bishnupur district and Sainik School Imphal.
On his arrival at Imphal Airport, a warm welcome was accorded by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, chief minister Y Khemchand Singh and deputy chief minister Losii Dikho accompanied by top officials of the state.
The Vice President was also given a guard of honour immediately upon his arrival at the airport.
From the airport, the Vice-President went straight to INA Martyrs’ Memorial Complex at Moirang in Bishnupur district along with the Governor.
During his visit to the INA Museum, the Vice President paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and visited the historic site where the Tricolour was first hoisted on Indian soil by the Indian National Army.
He also visited the INA War Museum gallery, commemorating the valour and sacrifice of the INA, where officials of the museum presented gifts and souvenirs to the visiting VVIP.
The Vice President then proceeded to the campus of the Sainik School Imphal at Pangei in Imphal East district where he paid floral tribute at the War Memorial there and was accorded a guard of honour by the cadets.
He joined the cadets for lunch and later addressed and interacted with the cadets in the presence of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, chief minister Y Khemchand Singh, additional secretary Deepti Mohil of Union ministry of defence, brigadier JBS Rathi, of GOC, 57 Mountain Division among other dignitaries of the event.
In his address, Radhakrishnan recalled the institution’s 55-year journey of discipline, dedication, sacrifice, learning, achievement and service to the nation.
He said that “The true legacy of the institute is not only confined in the structural buildings of the school campus but on the discipline and dedication of the cadets.”
The cadets should be enabled to shine with values in whatever career they choose in the future, he added.
He further said that the quality of discipline, leadership and courage should be instilled in the mind of the cadets to apply in any situation that arises.
Acknowledging the valuable contribution by the alumni of the institute in the Indian Armed Forces in various capacities, Radhakrisnan said that cadets should be able to sacrifice themselves in the larger interest of the country/motherland irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
They should be well aware of the changes in technological development taking place globally.
He appreciated the contributions of all the people in carrying the name of the institute and urged the students of the institute to contribute in protecting the integrity of the nation and wish the institute a glorious path in future.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, in his address on the occasion, said that the state will look forward to more visits of the Vice President, as the visit at Moirang and Sainik School, Imphal, has an important significance both for the school and the state as a whole.
He said that his first visit to the state will give an opportunity to the young cadets to witness national leadership and draw inspiration from his distinguished public life and service to the nation.
The Governor applauded the proud legacy of the institute and its immense contribution not only to the armed forces but also to the nation in diversity.
The alumni in their professional lives have brought distinction to the institution, the state and the country. Manipur has a long tradition of service in the armed forces.
“The courage, resilience and sense of duty associated with the people of the state are known across the regions and Sainik School Imphal plays an important part in this tradition,” Balla said.
The institute has an important role in nurturing the next generation of young Indians, he added.
The vision of Viksit Bharat not only required young people who possessed knowledge and skills but also integrity, compassion, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility towards the nation, the Governor asserted.
The Governor also urged the cadets to take the opportunity of studying in an institute that teaches such kinds of values and wish the institute success in its future endeavours.
Chief minister Y Khemchand expressed that the Vice President’s visit was a matter of pride for the school as well as the state.
Commending the well-maintained discipline of the cadets and various achievements of the school, he said the school has provided a platform for the youth.
After the programme, the Vice President headed back to the Imphal Airport concluding his brief few hours maiden visit in the state in afternoon.