Education Shapes Personality, Youth Are the Future and Greatest Strength of the Nation”: Energy Minister Anil Vij

Practice Is Essential for Success; It Refines Talent and Builds Character”: Anil Vij at 49th Zonal Youth Festival

Energy Minister Anil Vij Announces ₹31 Lakh from His Discretionary Fund for GMN College at 49th Zonal Youth Festival

 Chandigarh, October 21

Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that education helps shape an individual’s personality and that young people must preserve their cultural values while embracing modern technology. He emphasized that India is a young nation, and its youth possess immense energy and potential. This energy must be channelled into constructive activities so that young people can make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s development.

 Sh. Vij was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 49th Youth Festival, organised by the Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs, Kurukshetra University, at Gandhi Memorial National (GMN) College, Ambala Cantonment. On the occasion, he announced a grant of ₹31 lakh from his discretionary fund to support the college’s activities.

 The Energy Minister appreciated the initiatives and activities undertaken by the GMN College Management Committee. He also commended Kurukshetra University’s Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs for providing students with a valuable platform to showcase their talents. He noted that the festival encourages participants to express themselves through singing, dancing, poetry, theatre and performances conveying meaningful social messages.

He said that students must have put in considerable effort and practice to prepare for their performances. The desire to excel inspires individuals to overcome challenges with determination and enthusiasm. Every person possesses some talent, and the key is to recognise and develop it. “Success is a combination of two things: ability and opportunity,” he said, adding that the youth festival provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and prove their potential through their performances.

Practice refines talent and builds personality

Sh. Vij said that competition is an integral part of life, and consistent practice is essential for achieving excellence. Repeated practice not only refines an individual’s artistic skills but also strengthens personality and encourages personal growth. Explaining the importance of dedication and concentration, he said that an artist’s ability to create an outstanding sculpture is the result of talent and sustained practice. Similarly, a poet’s ability to compose an exceptional poem stems from concentration and thoughtful effort.

He said that the students performing at the festival would be able to showcase their abilities because of their dedication and focused preparation. “Concentration is an invaluable asset in life. When we think with focus and clarity, we can find solutions even to the most difficult challenges,” he asserted.

 Participation matters more than victory or defeat

 The Energy Minister stressed that winning or losing should not be the sole measure of success in any competition. What matters most is participation, the experience gained and the determination to improve. He advised those who win not to become arrogant and urged those who lose never to give up. Drawing an example from the King Brothers, he explained that a setback in a competition should be viewed as a challenge that motivates an individual to work harder. With perseverance and regular practice, defeat can eventually be transformed into victory.

 He reiterated that education does more than impart knowledge; it helps develop character and makes individuals responsible citizens. India’s young population is a tremendous asset, and young people must use their abilities positively to contribute to nation-building.

 Youth are the nation’s greatest powerhouse

 Highlighting Haryana’s achievements, Sh. Vij said the state is recognised for its sporting talent, the courage of its soldiers serving at the nation’s borders and the determination of its people to transform barren land into productive agricultural fields.

 He said that when young people are provided with opportunities in different fields, their potential can be channelled towards extraordinary achievements. Whether on the platform of a youth festival or on the fields of cricket, football, hockey, badminton and other disciplines, young people have the power to achieve great things. “The energy of our youth is the nation’s greatest powerhouse,” he said, adding that this strength can help the country overcome even the most formidable challenges. The objective should be to ensure that young people use their energy for positive purposes and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the nation.

 Youth must embrace modern technology while remaining connected to their culture

 Sh. Vij emphasised the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage, traditional values and moral foundations while keeping pace with technological advancements. Referring to the history of India’s education system, he said that the country must continue to value its traditional knowledge and languages alongside modern education. Citing examples of countries such as China, Israel, the United Kingdom, Russia and France, he stressed that knowledge of different languages is valuable, but it is equally important to remain connected to one’s own culture and traditions.

 He urged students to take pride in their heritage and reflect their cultural values through their conduct and achievements. Respect for parents and teachers, he said, is an essential part of Indian culture. Touching the feet of parents and teachers is a traditional expression of respect and gratitude through which young people acknowledge their guidance and contribution.

 Sharing an example from his own life, Sh. Vij said that he had studied at SD College and continued to show respect to his former teachers and professors whenever he met them. He said these values had been instilled in him by his family. He added that the present era belongs to artificial intelligence and rapidly advancing technology. Therefore, students must equip themselves with modern knowledge and skills while remaining firmly rooted in their cultural values.

 GMN College and SD College making significant contributions to education

 The Energy Minister praised the management of GMN College and described GMN College and SD College as leading institutions in Haryana’s educational landscape. He said both institutions have contributed significantly not only to academics but also to students’ overall development by encouraging participation in various extracurricular and other activities.

 He stated that Haryana had 105 colleges before 2014, and the number had increased to 185 under the BJP government. He added that fee concessions had also been provided to students in need and that the state government was continuously working to strengthen the education sector and ensure that students did not face unnecessary difficulties.

 Students must contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047

 Sh. Vij said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, and achieving this vision requires the collective commitment and efforts of every citizen. He urged students to recognise their responsibilities at this important stage of their lives and use their time, abilities and opportunities to bring about positive change in society.

 Sharing another example from his youth, he said that he had begun working for social welfare after associating with the Kalyan Bharti organisation. He encouraged students to develop a spirit of service and understand that meaningful contributions to society can begin at a young age.

 Earlier, Dr. Vivek Chawla, Director of the Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs, Kurukshetra University, welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. Dr. Gurdev Singh, President of the GMN College Management Committee, and Dr. Rohit Dutt, Principal of the college, also welcomed the guests and briefed them on the institution’s activities and initiatives. On the occasion, representatives of the management committee felicitated Sh. Vij with a shawl and a memento.

 Among those present were Dr. Vivek Chawla; Dr. Gurdev Singh, Jaswant Jain, Ajay Aggarwal, D.S. Mathur, Alok Gupta, Sanjeev Walia and Dalip Mittal from the GMN College Management Committee; Principal Dr. Rohit Dutt; Dr. Rajendra Rana, Professor Bharti and Dr. Naveen Gulati from SD College; BJP functionaries Vikas Bahgal, Parvesh Sharma and Deepak Bhasin; and principals, professors and other representatives from various colleges and Kurukshetra University.