Gairsain/Bhararisain: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami interacted with cadets preparing to join the armed forces as Agniveer Scheme soldiers in Bhararisain on Tuesday.
During the interaction, the cadets asked several questions to the Chief Minister, which he answered candidly.
Responding to a question from Shankar Singh Rana about whether he ever wished to join the army, Dhami said serving in the armed forces is one of the highest forms of honor. He added that having lived with his father, who served in the army, he closely witnessed military discipline and dedication.
Responsibility in Public Life
Answering a question from Himanshu Rautela, the Chief Minister said that responsibilities increase when one becomes active in social and political life. He added that the people of the state are like his family and every village in Uttarakhand is like his own.
Reservation for Agniveers
Responding to a question from O.P. Kandari regarding employment after completion of Agniveer service, Dhami said the state government has provided 10% horizontal reservation for Agniveers in uniformed services.
He also noted that the central government is creating several opportunities for Agniveers in different sectors.
Why He is Known as “Dhakad Dhami”
When asked by Ritesh Panwar about his identity as “Dhakad Dhami,” the Chief Minister said that public representatives should remain humble with citizens but sometimes must take tough and bold decisions in the interest of the state.
He said Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code, along with strict anti-cheating laws and anti-riot legislation.
Focus on Soldiers and Ex-Servicemen
Addressing Agniveers and former soldiers, Dhami said soldiers serve the nation under extremely difficult conditions in border and high Himalayan regions. He noted that Uttarakhand is known as “Devbhoomi” where almost every family has a member serving in the armed forces or paramilitary forces.
He also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Armed Forces are rapidly becoming self-reliant and defence exports are increasing.
The Chief Minister added that the state government is constructing a grand Military Dham in Dehradun to preserve the legacy and memories of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.
The event was also attended by Ajay Kothiyal, founder of Youth Foundation, along with ex-servicemen and Agniveer cadets.
