HT Correspondent
NAHARLAGUN, June 28: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd) celebrated his 72nd birthday with the children of Oju Mission School during a heartfelt visit to the institution on Saturday.
Accompanied by the First Lady of the State, Anagha Parnaik, the Governor spent the day interacting with students and staff of the school, which is run by the Oju Welfare Association (OWA) and has long been known for its inclusive and value-based approach to education.
According to an official statement, this was the Governor’s first visit to the school located at Papu Nallah in Naharlagun.
During the visit, the Governor and the First Lady toured the newly constructed academic block and inspected the smart classroom facilities.
They were also shown student projects and a photo gallery highlighting the transformative journey of OWA in the fields of education and social service.
The celebration of the Governor’s birthday in the midst of school children brought an added sense of joy to the occasion.
Students presented a vibrant lineup of cultural performances to welcome the guests, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm.
The Governor was visibly moved by the display and commended the students for their discipline, creativity, and spirit.
In his address to the students, Governor Parnaik encouraged them to continue cultivating their curiosity and love for learning.
He noted that education is not merely a process of gaining knowledge, but a lifelong journey of discovering one’s potential and building character.
Calling the students “The Shining Stars,” the Governor urged them to aim high, stay focused on their dreams, and not be discouraged by setbacks.
He reminded them that failure is often a stepping stone to success and that resilience is essential for personal growth.
Stressing the values of integrity, hard work, and service to society, the Governor spoke of the importance of good citizenship.
He also emphasized the need for holistic development that includes physical fitness, intellectual alertness, and moral strength.
Citing the guiding principle of the National Defence Academy, he shared the mantra that cadets must be “physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight,” encouraging the young students to incorporate these ideals into their own lives.
To mark the occasion, the Governor and the First Lady participated in a tree plantation drive on the school campus under the theme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
The initiative, aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and respect for maternal values, served as a symbolic gesture of growth and nurturing.
Oju Mission School continues to serve as a sanctuary of hope and opportunity for underprivileged children in the region, offering them access to quality education in a caring and principled environment.
The visit of the Governor and the First Lady, coupled with their inspiring words and meaningful gestures, brought a memorable moment of encouragement and recognition for the students and staff alike.