Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 9: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on September 8 highlighted the historical significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s freedom struggle, recalling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s association with the islands while telling Sainik School Imphal cadets that the Northeast remains an integral part of India.
Radhakrishnan, who was on a one-day visit to Manipur after arriving from Assam, referred to his recent visit to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while interacting with students. He urged the cadets to visit the historic site to understand the hardships endured by freedom fighters and said such experiences can inspire patriotism and reinforce awareness of the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.
The Vice-President also drew attention to the historical connection between the islands and Netaji. He recalled that Bose had hoisted the Indian Tricolour in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and said such historic places can remind younger generations of the courage and sacrifice associated with India’s independence movement.
Earlier in Manipur, Radhakrishnan visited the INA Museum at Moirang in Bishnupur district and paid tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian National Army. He visited the site where the INA first hoisted the Indian Tricolour on the Indian mainland on April 14, 1944, toured the INA War Museum gallery and paid floral tribute to Netaji.
At Sainik School Imphal, he paid floral tribute at the War Memorial and received a Guard of Honour from the cadets. He said India’s varied languages, traditions and regions are bound by a common national identity, describing the Northeast as an integral and beautiful part of the country while acknowledging the contribution and hard work of its people.
Radhakrishnan said Sainik Schools have an important role in advancing the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ because students from different backgrounds study, train, eat and play together.
Addressing the cadets, he identified discipline, courage and leadership as essential qualities. He said discipline can enable students to excel even when they may have less talent, while courage also involves standing up for others facing unnecessary harm. He described leadership as accepting responsibility, setting an example, listening to others and having the moral courage to make the right decision.
He also urged students to combine these values with adaptability and technological awareness as technology advances. He identified artificial intelligence, space technology, biotechnology, cyber-security and robotics as emerging areas of opportunity, while stressing the importance of retaining integrity, patriotism and goodness.
On the contribution of students towards Viksit Bharat, Radhakrishnan said every student can contribute by performing their duty to the best of their ability each day.
Radhakrishnan was accompanied by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Deepti Mohil Chawla, Major General Shubhankar Basu, Inspecting Officer of the Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, Brigadier Amit Chatterjee and Sainik School Imphal Principal Colonel A. Rajiv, among other dignitaries.
