Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday visited the INA Museum at Moirang and Sainik School Imphal in Manipur, paying tribute to India’s freedom fighters and calling upon young cadets to uphold discipline, courage, patriotism and integrity while adapting to rapid technological change.
During his visit to Moirang, the Vice-President paid homage to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian National Army (INA). He visited the historic site where the Indian Tricolour was first hoisted on the Indian mainland by the INA and toured the INA War Museum gallery. He also paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Later, V-P Radhakrishnan visited Sainik School Imphal, where he paid floral tribute at the War Memorial and was accorded a Guard of Honour by the cadets.
Recalling the INA’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle, the Vice-President said freedom fighters from different parts of the country, including several from Tamil Nadu, had joined the INA and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
He also referred to his recent visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Netaji had hoisted the Indian Tricolour, saying that such historic places remind younger generations of the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters.
Discipline, courage and leadership
Addressing the cadets, V-P Radhakrishnan said the true legacy of an institution is reflected not merely in its buildings or records but in the character of its students and alumni.
He urged the cadets to develop discipline, courage and leadership, describing discipline as the foundation of excellence.
“Even if you are less talented, with discipline you will shine,” he said, while stressing that courage also means standing up for others when they are being unnecessarily harmed.
On leadership, the Vice President said a true leader accepts responsibility, sets an example, listens to others and possesses the moral courage to take the right decision.
Sainik Schools can strengthen national integration
Highlighting India’s diversity, V-P Radhakrishnan said the country’s different languages, traditions and regions are united by a shared national identity.
He said Sainik Schools have a special role in strengthening the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, as students from diverse backgrounds learn, train, eat and play together.
Describing the Northeast as an “integral and beautiful part of India”, the Vice President praised the hard work and contribution of the region’s people. He urged students to retain their values and goodness while remaining adaptable to change.
Call to embrace technology
With technology transforming society and the nature of work, V-P Radhakrishnan urged cadets to combine timeless values such as patriotism, discipline and integrity with technological awareness, innovation and adaptability.
He highlighted emerging fields including artificial intelligence, space technology, biotechnology, cybersecurity and robotics, saying these areas offer significant opportunities for the younger generation.
“Do your duty every day” for Viksit Bharat
Responding to questions from the cadets, the Vice President encouraged them to visit historic sites such as Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to understand the hardships endured by India’s freedom fighters.
He said such experiences can inspire patriotism and deepen awareness of the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.
On the role of students in building a developed India, V-P Radhakrishnan said every student can contribute by performing their duty to the best of their ability every day.
He emphasised that the collective effort of citizens doing their best each day would contribute to the realisation of Viksit Bharat.
The Vice President was accompanied by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Deepti Mohil Chawla, Major General Shubhankar Basu, Brigadier Amit Chatterjee and Sainik School Imphal Principal Colonel A. Rajiv, among other dignitaries.
