DEHRADUN: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday participated in the 71st National Convention of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) held at Parade Ground in the city, where he honoured Gorakhpur’s Shrikrishna Pandey with the Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar Youth Award.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister congratulated delegates from across the country and said the convention symbolised “a confluence of energetic young minds committed to nation-building”.
According to officials, Shrikrishna Pandey was recognised for his work in “eradicating child begging, supporting destitute mentally ill citizens and rehabilitating prison inmates”. CM Dhami said the recipient’s service reflects “a model of social responsibility that inspires youth across India”.
Dhami recalls his ABVP days
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Dhami at ABVP 71st National Convention
Dhami at ABVP 71st National Convention
Dhami at ABVP 71st National Convention
Addressing thousands of student activists, the Chief Minister said his association with ABVP began during his student years and shaped both his public life and leadership.
“I too have worked actively among students as a karyakarta of ABVP. Those formative experiences gave me leadership, organisational understanding and a deep commitment to social service,” he said. “The values and ideals I learnt then remain the foundation of my life even today.”
Dhami said the gathering was not merely a student convention but “a grand assembly of young patriots dedicated to the sacred mission of nation-building”.
Youth as the drivers of India’s future
The Chief Minister stressed that India’s youth are the country’s greatest asset and have the strength to fulfil the vision of a self-reliant, prosperous India.
“Our youth possess the talent, determination and courage needed to take India to new heights. When their energy gets the right guidance, the country marches toward becoming a global leader,” he said.
“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, youth are seen as the nation’s power. Through Start-up India, Digital India, Make in India, Fit India, Skill India and the National Education Policy, the government is giving opportunities that match their abilities and aspirations,” Dhami said.
‘ABVP has played a decisive role in shaping society’
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister devoted a significant portion of his speech to ABVP’s historical contribution. He said the organisation was formed in 1949, when newly independent India required a disciplined, value-based student movement.
“Since its formation, ABVP has been working for individual development that leads to national development. For more than seven decades, the organisation has brought major social, cultural, educational and ideological changes,” Dhami said.
He noted that ABVP’s commitment to cultural awakening, social upliftment and constructive activism has placed it among the most influential student organisations in the country.
“The thoughts and resolutions that emerge from this platform will become milestones in nation-building and will guide India’s development and social progress,” he said.
Unity and national vision emphasised
Dhami said India’s journey toward becoming a global power requires a collective national vision grounded in cultural values.
“When our young population understands the strength of our civilisation and culture, they become the carriers of India’s resurgence. With unity, discipline and clarity of purpose, we can achieve One India, Best India,” he said.
Calling for value-based education and character-building, he added: “History shows that countries progress not just because of resources but because of the strength of their youth.”
Event attended by national leaders
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, ABVP national president Prof. Raghuraj Kishore Tiwari, general secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki and several senior ABVP leaders were present at the event. Thousands of student delegates from across India participated in the convention.
Dhami concluded by expressing confidence that the ideas emerging from the three-day convention would “shape the direction of India’s future” and inspire lakhs of students to contribute to public life.
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.
