SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE FLAG IN OF THE MOUNTAINEERING EXPEDITION FROM RASHTRIYA INDIAN MILITARY COLLEGE

Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, 30th July, 2009

I am pleased to meet the Mountaineering Expedition Team from the Rashtriya Indian Military College that has successfully scaled Mount Banderpunch White Peak located at a height of over 20,000 feet in the Garhwal Hills. I heard, with deep interest, your accounts of the expedition. I am impressed by your determination, your discipline and your courage in meeting the many extreme challenges posed by the harsh weather conditions. You continued with your ascent for long hours in conditions of rarified oxygen, making the trek many times more strenuous and dangerous. Overcoming all difficulties your team of cadets achieved success. I am happy to know that the youngest member of the team was given the honour of planting the flag on the conquered peak. On the part of the team, this is a laudable step. It acknowledges the role played by each member including the youngest in achieving success. I also compliment the Staff for their project selection, training and preparing the cadets both physically and mentally, to accomplish such a "difficult mission".

Rashtriya Indian Military College is one of the finest institutions in our country. Set up before our independence, it has been at the forefront of preparing children for positions of leadership and responsibility in all walks of life. It is on account of this that Rimcolians - as its students are often referred to - evoke admiration throughout the country. That five Chiefs of the Armed Forces of India have been the alumni of this College speaks of the quality of education and values that the students receive here. The emphasis on combining quality studies with a variety of curriculum activities ranging from sports, debates to mountain climbing alongwith inculcating a sense of discipline is what lays the foundation for the young boys to become gallant men. I believe that discipline is of fundamental importance to our nation. Whether it is in our school, or in our work, if there is discipline in our daily lives we would be more systematic and, hence, more productive in whatever we do. It also gives confidence in facing the world with resolve and fortitude. In fact, it is because of discipline and determination that you have been successful in conquering Mount Banderpunch Peak.

All parents want their children to do well in life and, at the same time, to be responsible citizens. While imparting education Rashtriya Indian Military College prepares its students to enter the defence forces of our country - a career which is infact, a calling of the highest order. It is for these reasons that I am told that the entry into this college is widely sought. Indian Armed Forces are among the best in the world. They are defending the boundaries of our nation - at sea, on land and in the air. I am sure that each one of you present here today will do very well in your studies and later on serve the nation with dedication and commitment.

Once again I congratulate the team for climbing Mount Banderpunch and convey my good wishes to Rashtriya Indian Military College, its staff, students and the parents who are present here.

Thank You,

Jai Hind.