Territorial Army Captain Anurag Thakur Visits Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, Inspires Students on Leadership and Nation-Building

Territorial Army Captain and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur visited Sainik School Sujanpur Tira in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, where he interacted with students on education, personality development, nation-building and India’s expanding defence capabilities. The programme was held under the leadership of the school’s Principal, Group Captain Rachna Joshi.

Addressing the students, Thakur said Sainik Schools are far more than academic institutions and serve as important centres for shaping future leadership and preparing young people for national service. He told the students that discipline, leadership, self-confidence, responsibility and dedication to the nation would be essential qualities in strengthening India in the years ahead.

During the interaction, Thakur spoke at length about the role of education in shaping character and broadening perspective. He encouraged students to keep learning throughout their lives, engage with new people, remain curious and build knowledge that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. He said education should not be seen only as a way to earn qualifications, but as a continuous process of developing character, understanding and the ability to serve society and the nation.

He also linked that message to the wider idea of nation-building, urging students to cultivate strong personalities and leadership qualities from an early stage. Drawing on both his public life and military association, Thakur said young people in military schools should prepare themselves not only academically, but also mentally and morally for future responsibilities.

A significant part of his address focused on India’s defence sector and the country’s push towards self-reliance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thakur said India is making rapid progress in defence manufacturing, with modern military equipment increasingly being produced within the country. He added that the Indian Armed Forces are being equipped with new technologies and advanced capabilities as part of this broader transformation.

Thakur told the students that awareness of such developments was especially important for those studying in military institutions. He said students of Sainik Schools should understand how India’s defence strength is evolving and remain informed about the country’s achievements in the sector. According to him, familiarity with these developments can deepen a sense of pride, responsibility and commitment to the nation among young students.

He further urged them to stay updated not only on defence matters, but also on science, technology and national affairs more broadly. A younger generation that is informed, confident and disciplined, he said, will be central to building a stronger, more capable and self-reliant India.

The interaction also carried added significance because of Thakur’s own connection with the armed forces through the Territorial Army. He is a commissioned officer serving with the 124 Infantry Battalion (Sikh). Thakur joined the Territorial Army in July 2016, when he was commissioned as a Lieutenant. After completing the required selection and training process, he was promoted to the rank of Captain in March 2021.

That military association formed part of the context of his message to the students. Thakur stressed that discipline, leadership and a strong sense of responsibility must be developed early, particularly by students in institutions designed to combine academic preparation with values of service. His remarks placed emphasis on the idea that personal growth and national contribution are closely connected.

The programme was conducted under the leadership of Principal Group Captain Rachna Joshi, reflecting the school’s continuing focus on academic excellence, discipline, leadership development, physical fitness and preparing students for future service to the nation.

As the visit concluded, Thakur encouraged the students to continue expanding their horizons, remain committed to learning and carry a strong sense of duty towards the country. His interaction at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira centred on inspiring students to build knowledge, character and leadership qualities that could enable them to contribute meaningfully to India’s future.