Degrees Reflect Your Knowledge, but Your Character Defines Your Life- Nayab Singh Saini
Chief Minister Attends Utkarsh 2026 Programme in Yamunanagar, Honours Meritorious Students and Sportspersons
5 Dariya News
Yamunanagar 25-Jul-2026
Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the Utkarsh 2026 programme organised at Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Yamunanagar, said that it was a matter of great pride, warmth and hope for him to be present at an educational institution inspired by the sacred teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
He said the Guru Nanak Khalsa Group of Institutions has, over the years, fostered social consciousness through education, making its journey a truly inspiring contribution to nation-building.Honouring 160 meritorious students and sportspersons for their outstanding achievements, the Chief Minister said the gathering reflected three defining pillars of a bright future for any society.
On one side were students who had secured top positions in their colleges and universities through talent and hard work. On the other were sportspersons who had transformed their sweat and perseverance into medals, bringing laurels to Haryana and the nation.
The third inspiring sight, he said, was that of young people holding appointment letters that marked the beginning of their professional careers.Addressing the students, the Chief Minister said, A degree is proof of your knowledge, but your character defines your life. Wherever you go, carry your values along with your education.
He said he could imagine the joy of the families who would have received the news of their children's achievements. A mother who had once sent her child to school with a dream in her heart was seeing that dream come true today.
A father who had sacrificed his own needs to educate his child was witnessing the reward of years of struggle. This is not merely a job offer for you; it is a victory for your entire family's perseverance and sacrifices, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister said Haryana's remarkable achievements in sports have become a source of inspiration for the entire country. Whenever the Indian Tricolour is raised at an international sporting event, he said, the sweat and dedication of a son or daughter of Haryana are invariably part of that achievement.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Chief Minister said, "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is achieved." He added that this is precisely what India expects from its youth today, to dream big, work hard and always place national interest above everything else.
Looking at the young audience, he said he could clearly see the future of Viksit Bharat in their eyes. He envisioned among them scientists who would make groundbreaking discoveries, sportspersons who would raise the Tricolour on global platforms, and engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs and administrators who would lead India to new heights.
Our greatest strength is our young population. It is this youth power that forms the strongest foundation of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The path to a developed India passes through the talent, skills and character of our youth, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.The Chief Minister said it was particularly meaningful that the programme was being held at an institution associated with the revered name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose teachings remain as relevant today as ever.
He recalled Guru Nanak Dev Ji's timeless message ‘Kirat Karo, Naam Japo and Vand Chhako', which calls upon people to earn an honest livelihood, remain rooted in moral values and share their blessings with society. He said that if the youth imbibe these three principles in their lives, the dream of a developed India would become a reality through the collective consciousness of society.
The Chief Minister observed that the world is changing rapidly, with new revolutions in robotics, semiconductors, green technology, digital innovation and start-ups reshaping the future. He said true learning begins where formal education ends, urging young people to embrace emerging technologies, continuously upgrade their skills and nurture a spirit of innovation.
Recalling an inspiring anecdote about former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Chief Minister said someone once asked him the greatest secret of success. Dr. Kalam had replied with a smile, A dream is not what you see while sleeping; a dream is what keeps you awake.The Chief Minister said this message applies to every student striving to achieve excellence.
He said the Haryana Government has decided to develop Government Colleges into Model Sanskriti Colleges, and 22 such colleges have already been established. The Government's objective is to ensure that every young person has access to quality higher education close to home.Accordingly, Government Colleges have been established within a radius of 20 kilometres across the State.
Alongside expanding educational opportunities, the Government is placing equal emphasis on skill development.He said that under national projects, the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) has been established in Panchkula and Kurukshetra, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Rohtak, the National Institute of Design (NID) at Umri, and an extension centre of IIT Delhi at Sonipat. Several new provisions for strengthening the education sector have also been made in the current State Budget.
The Chief Minister further announced that, in collaboration with the Future Department and the Higher Education Department, the Government will launch an autonomous digital college. The institution will function through technology-driven teaching, digital evaluation and personalised learning systems. Based on the success of this pilot project, 10 more such colleges will be established next year.
He said the Government has created an environment that encourages young people to take education seriously and prepare diligently for competitive examinations. So far, 1.83 lakh youth have secured government jobs purely on merit, without any parchi-kharchi (recommendation or bribery).
To equip young people for safe and dignified employment overseas, 1.96 lakh youth have received skill training. He said the Government enacted legislation in March 2025 to curb illegal immigration through the "donkey route" and eliminate the network of unscrupulous agents.
Highlighting the State's commitment to sports, the Chief Minister said Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists are awarded Rs. 6 crore, silver medallists Rs. 4 crore, and bronze medallists Rs. 2.50 crore, while every participating athlete receives Rs. 15 lakh.
He further informed that 550 new posts have been created in the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, and 232 sportspersons have already been provided government jobs. The daily dietary allowance for sportspersons has been enhanced to Rs. 500 per athlete.
The Chief Minister said 2,000 sports nurseries have been established across the State in 2026. Under the scheme, sportspersons in the 8–14 years age group receive a monthly scholarship of Rs. 1,500, while those in the 15–19 years category are provided Rs. 2,000 per month.
Agriculture and Farmers' Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, MLA Sh. Ghanshyam Das Arora, Mayor, Smt. Suman Bahmani, former Minister Sh. Kanwar Pal prominent representatives of industry, faculty members and students also attended the programme.