GHORAKHAL: One of India’s premier military preparatory institutions, Ghorakhal’s Sainik School, marked its Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Friday with a grand event attended by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The Chief Minister praised the school’s remarkable legacy of producing disciplined, patriotic and service-oriented youth, calling it a “golden chapter in the nation’s defence history.”
Our correspondent reports that the event was held at the school campus in Bhowali, Nainital district, where cadets, teachers, alumni and parents gathered to commemorate the school’s 60-year journey. The Chief Minister officially inaugurated the annual ceremony and congratulated the entire Ghorakhal fraternity for its exceptional achievements, including repeated excellence in sending cadets to the National Defence Academy.
“A school that shapes character, not just careers”
In his address, Chief Minister Dhami said Sainik School Ghorakhal was “not merely an institution of academics, but a training ground of character, discipline and leadership.” Recalling that he grew up hearing inspiring stories about the school, the CM said the institution had for decades provided the armed forces with officers known for integrity and courage.
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Pushkar Singh Dhami at Ghorakhal Sainik School Diamond Jubilee celebrations
Pushkar Singh Dhami at Ghorakhal Sainik School Diamond Jubilee celebrations
Pushkar Singh Dhami at Ghorakhal Sainik School Diamond Jubilee celebrations
“This school gives far more than classroom education. It shapes personalities, builds resilience and instills a sense of duty,” he said. “Many officers who graduated from here have told me that the seeds of leadership and responsibility were sown in their formative years at Ghorakhal.”
Calling the institution one of the country’s most respected schools, the Chief Minister said Ghorakhal cadets stand apart due to the discipline and determination cultivated on campus. “The soil of Ghorakhal itself nurtures courage,” he remarked, adding that students here develop values that help them excel not only in the armed forces but in civilian life as well.
Record achievements at NDA and Defence Minister’s Trophy wins
Chief Minister Dhami praised the school for creating history by securing the highest number of selections to the National Defence Academy and winning the prestigious Defence Minister’s Trophy ten times in a row. He termed the feat “a testament to the dedication of the cadets, teachers and the school leadership.”
A personal connection to military life
Reflecting on his own background, the Chief Minister said, “I am myself the son of a soldier. I understand the ethos of service, discipline and sacrifice deeply.” He emphasized that growing up in a soldier’s family helped him understand the commitment required for service to the nation.
Addressing the cadets, he added, “The uniform you aspire to wear is not just clothing; it is a symbol of honour, discipline and responsibility. What you learn here will make you capable of facing any challenge in life.”
Government initiatives for soldiers and veterans
The Chief Minister highlighted various measures taken to strengthen the welfare of soldiers and ex-servicemen. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, India’s defence sector has undergone transformative changes.
He noted that India, once dependent on foreign nations for defence supplies, has now emerged as a major exporter of defence equipment. Referring to the implementation of One Rank One Pension, he said, “OROP fulfilled the long-pending demand of ex-servicemen and strengthened their financial security.”
The Uttarakhand government, he added, has also taken several steps for the welfare of military families, including:
Increasing ex-gratia for the families of martyrs by five times
Enhancing one-time and annual financial assistance for gallantry award recipients
Establishing the grand Sainya Dham in Dehradun, soon to be inaugurated
“These steps reflect our unwavering respect for the sacrifices of our soldiers,” he said.
A message of commitment and determination
The Chief Minister urged students to cultivate a mindset of unwavering focus. “Whatever goal you choose in life, pursue it with dedication. A goal must be without alternatives. When your resolve becomes option-less, success becomes inevitable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by MLA Sarita Arya, MLA Ram Singh Kaida, Divisional Commissioner Deepak Rawat, IG Riddhim Aggarwal, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, SSP Dr. Manjunath TC, senior officers, faculty members, students and parents.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
