- Announcement: Sipat–Nawadih Chowk to be named after Shaheed Vinod Singh Kaushik
- Over 3,000 meritorious students honoured
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today attended the Shaheed Vinod Singh Kaushik Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony at Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur. Felicitating the university’s meritorious students, the Chief Minister said that the young generation is the future of the nation and that with their hard work, dedication and determination, the state and the country will reach new heights.
In his address, CM Sai said it was a moment of great pride and joy to honour the talented, hardworking and bright young minds of the new generation. He noted that this event, held in memory of Shaheed Vinod Singh Kaushik for the past three years, serves as an inspiration for the entire society. “Such programmes encourage children to move forward and do something new,” he said.
Paying tribute to Shaheed Vinod Singh Kaushik, CM Sai said his sacrifice would not go in vain. He recalled that the brave son of the soil, Shaheed Vinod Singh Kaushik, was martyred in 2018 while fighting Maoists in Narayanpur. To keep his memory alive, a trust has been formed in his name, and through it, honouring talent is a commendable initiative, he added.
CM Sai further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state is moving towards eliminating Naxal terror by March 2026. “The double-engine government of the Centre and the state is committed to ending Naxalism. We are continuously achieving success in Naxal operations, wanted Naxalites with rewards worth crores are surrendering, and the backbone of Naxalism has been broken,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the ceremony, the Chief Minister said, “Through this felicitation, we are not just honouring students who have scored good marks in exams, but the children who are the future builders of the nation.” He reminded students that while their achievements are undoubtedly the result of their own hard work, their families, teachers and society have also played an important role in their success.
CM Sai pointed out that Chhattisgarh has now entered its silver jubilee year and assured that students no longer need to go outside the state for higher education, as all top-level educational institutions are now available within the state. He presented certificates of appreciation and mementoes to students who excelled in various faculties, urging them to set goals, work consistently, and maintain a positive outlook.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also paid floral tribute to Shaheed Vinod Singh Kaushik and bowed in respect. Addressing the students, he said, “You are at such an important stage in life where the direction of your future is decided. Your efforts will build not only your own future but also that of the state and the country. Along with your dreams, the hopes of your parents, teachers and relatives are attached to you. To fulfil these dreams, work tirelessly with dedication.”
Encouraging the students, Deputy CM Sao advised them to permanently remove words like ‘depression’ and ‘despair’ from their dictionary. “A person who is hopeless can never achieve success. Move forward towards your goal with enthusiasm and a positive mindset,” he said.
The event was attended by MLAs Amar Agrawal, Dharamlal Kaushik, Dharamjeet Singh, Sushant Shukla, Dileep Lahariya; Bilaspur Mayor Pooja Vidhani; Chhattisgarh Textbook Corporation Chairman Rajesh Pandey; CREDA Chairman Bhupendra Sawanni; along with other public representatives and a large number of students.