Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Monday urged citizens, particularly young people, to balance their rights and responsibilities while contributing to nation-building. He called for patriotism, discipline and a strong sense of national responsibility among citizens.
Shukla addressed the 19th National Conference of the Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha at MCEME in Secunderabad. He said the country should channel the energy of its youth towards national development and strengthening the nation.
The Governor also recalled the integration of Hyderabad State with the Indian Union. He highlighted the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Indian Army in the integration process.
Moreover, Shukla praised the Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha for promoting patriotism, discipline and national consciousness. He said the organisation had also brought ex-servicemen and patriotic citizens together.
Rights and responsibilities linked to national development
Shukla said rights and responsibilities needed to remain connected as citizens worked towards the country’s development. He also stressed the importance of cooperation in India’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
According to him, research institutions, the armed forces and the defence industry needed close coordination to advance that goal. The Governor described the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering as an important centre for military technology and training.
MCEME hosted the national conference in Secunderabad. Shukla also focused on the continuing contribution that former military personnel could make after leaving active service. “Retirement from the uniform does not mean retirement from national service,” Shukla said.
He said the experience, discipline and leadership of ex-servicemen remained valuable resources for nation-building. Therefore, he encouraged former service personnel to continue contributing their knowledge and experience to the country.
The Governor also paid tribute to serving military personnel. In addition, he honoured the families of martyrs and acknowledged the sacrifices behind the country’s security.
Rights and responsibilities tied to Viksit Bharat vision
Shukla connected rights and responsibilities with the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. “What is important is not only what the nation does for us, but also what we can do for the nation,” he said. He urged citizens to contribute actively towards achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The Governor also invoked Swami Vivekananda while calling for determination in public and national service. “Arise, awake and move forward until the goal is achieved,” he quoted Vivekananda as saying. Shukla then called for renewed patriotism, service and national unity.
He said young people had an important role in strengthening the country and supporting its development. His address also emphasised discipline as an important element of citizenship. At the same time, he highlighted national responsibility alongside the exercise of individual rights.
The Governor said citizens could contribute to the country through service and a sense of duty. He particularly encouraged the youth to direct their energy towards constructive national goals.
The Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha conference brought together military veterans, serving officers and other participants. Shukla praised the organisation for its work among ex-servicemen and citizens committed to national service.
He said the experience of former military personnel could continue to support nation-building after their retirement. Meanwhile, the Governor presented Utkrishta Deshbhakti medals to five distinguished members for their contributions.
The programme also drew senior representatives from military, social and academic backgrounds. Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha National President Colonel Tejendra Pal Tyagi attended the conference. Tyagi is a Vir Chakra awardee.
Telangana State President Major General N. Srinivasa Rao also attended. Acharya Lokesh, founder of Vishva Shanti Kendra, participated in the programme. Lieutenant General Neeraj Varshney and Air Marshal Rahul Bhasin were also among those present.
Professor Neelam Pawar, Narendra Ram Nambul and Anuradha Rao also attended the conference. During his address, Shukla repeatedly stressed national service, discipline and unity. He said the country’s progress required citizens to recognise duties alongside their rights.
The Governor also placed the role of ex-servicemen within that broader national effort. He maintained that their leadership skills and experience continued to hold value after military service.
Shukla further linked technological development with national self-reliance. For that reason, he called for coordination between research bodies, defence forces and industry.
He cited MCEME’s role in advanced military technology and training while making that point. The Governor ultimately urged citizens to approach rights and responsibilities together while working towards the country’s development goals.