Uttarakhand News: On Thursday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Pratibha Samman Samaroh-2025 at Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College in Haridwar. During the event, he inaugurated the newly constructed building and smart classrooms. He also felicitated talented students and teachers, appreciating their efforts and achievements. Congratulating the students on the new building and smart classrooms, the Chief Minister said that after India gained independence, when the country was just finding its feet, Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan was established as an affiliate of the RSS. Back then, it planted the seed of what was known as Saraswati Shishu Mandir, and today, it has grown into a massive banyan tree. These schools are now educating young minds across the country, helping shape the future of India. He shared that Vidya Bharati is currently running over 12,000 schools across the country, where around 35 lakh students are receiving education. In the field of higher education too, Vidya Bharati is managing more than 50 colleges and one university. These institutions are not only providing modern education but also instilling values like patriotism, ethics, cultural awareness, environmental consciousness, and a sense of social responsibility among students.
He highlighted that Vidya Bharati has a strong presence in Uttarakhand as well. From Mana to the border town of Dharchula, there are Shishu Mandirs and Vidya Mandirs operating. At present, more than 500 schools are being run in the state under Vidya Bharati, with over one lakh students enrolled. The Chief Minister added that the inauguration of four smart classes in this school is solid proof that Vidya Bharati institutions are just as modern and well-equipped as any other top school. Talking about education reforms in the state, the Chief Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the state government has been constantly working to improve the education system. Recognizing the importance of education, Uttarakhand was the first state to implement the New Education Policy. Under the PM SHRI scheme, 141 new schools have been set up. The government is also building Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Residential Schools.
Virtual classrooms have been introduced in 500 schools across the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. To ensure quality education, NCERT textbooks have been made mandatory in all schools. The government has also launched Lab on Wheels, a mobile science lab, to make science learning more practical and fun. Students from Class 1 to 12 are being provided free textbooks, and those from Class 1 to 8 are also being given free shoes and school bags. The Chief Minister shared that 20 new model colleges and 9 degree colleges are being set up in the state. Alongside, women’s hostels, IT labs, and examination halls are also being built. Recruitment of teachers for schools and assistant professors for colleges is underway. The state is also investing crores of rupees to improve sports infrastructure. Talented young athletes are being offered scholarships from the age of 8. Students at residential sports colleges are being given free training, education, accommodation, meals, and kits.
He proudly mentioned that the government has started a historic initiative — offering government jobs to athletes who win medals in national-level competitions. Thanks to all these efforts, athletes from Uttarakhand made history by winning over 100 medals in the recently held 38th National Games. The Chief Minister also made it clear that no cheating mafia will be allowed to ruin the dreams of hardworking and talented students. The state now has the country’s strongest anti-cheating law. He recalled how, in the past, there were issues like paper leaks during competitive exams, which used to discourage the youth. But ever since the anti-cheating law came into force, not a single paper has been leaked. As a result, over 22,000 candidates have successfully secured government jobs in the last three years.
He encouraged all students to stay focused on their studies and work hard to move ahead in life. He expressed confidence that this school will continue to provide quality education to future generations and play a key role in nurturing social and moral values in students. On this occasion, several dignitaries addressed the gathering including RSS Uttarakhand Prant Pracharak Dr. Shailendra, MLA Adesh Chauhan, Principal Lokendra Athwal, and Manager Ajay Sharma. Others present at the event were Shivshankar Jaiswal, Sher Singh Rawat, Rohit Bhatia, Mayor Kiran Jaisal, MLA Pradeep Batra, State Minister Deshararaj Karnwal, BJP District President Ashutosh Sharma, former MLA Sanjay Gupta, former District President Sandeep Goyal, District Vice President Love Sharma, DM Karmendra Singh, SSP Pramendra Singh Doval, and many others.
