Vishwa Vidyapeeth Unveils “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”: A Majestic Tribute to India’s Soldiers and Farmers
Vishwa Vidyapeeth inaugurated its much-awaited mega event, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan – A Tribute to Soldiers and Farmers,” with grandeur, emotion, and an unmistakable sense of patriotic pride. The three-day celebration, conceived as a homage to the two pillars of the nation—its soldiers and farmers, brought together eminent personalities, educational visionaries, and hundreds of awestruck students under one roof.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with a uniquely earthy and evocative procession: the chief guests were escorted in a traditional bullock cart, symbolising the nation’s agrarian roots and evoking the unpretentious dignity of rural India. This ceremonial start set the tone for an event that seamlessly intertwined cultural heritage, national pride, and experiential learning.
The proceedings opened with a mesmerising dance performance—an artistic fusion of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi—which paid tribute to India’s classical traditions while encapsulating the spirit of unity in diversity.
Dignitaries Illuminate the Event
The lamp-lighting ceremony was graced by a distinguished constellation of guests: Shri S. R. Vishwanath, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (Yelahanka); Padma Shri Dr Khader Valli, renowned nationwide as “The Millet Man of India”; Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra awardee; Lt Col Sumit Ranjan Basu (Retd), Life Coach; Smt. Suseela Santhosh, Director of the Vishwa Vidyapeeth Group of Schools; and Shri Chatnalli Mahesh, acclaimed writer and farmer.
Smt. Suseela Santhosh expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shri S. R. Vishwanath and to all dignitaries for their continuous encouragement and support. She emphasised that it was a matter of immense honour for the entire Vishwa Vidyapeeth community to witness luminaries from varied spheres come together to celebrate service, sacrifice, and the spirit of the nation.
A School Rooted in Experience and Exposure
For years, Vishwa Vidyapeeth has championed experiential learning. The event highlighted the school’s efforts to expose children to the breadth of India’s defence and agricultural landscapes—through visits spanning from Leh to Karwar, DRDO outreach programmes, and curated trips to farmlands where students observed agricultural practices first-hand.
The school’s philosophy, as reiterated during the event, is that India has long been a “guru” to the world—owing to its intellect, its ancient wisdom, and its enduring resilience. The young generation, therefore, carries the responsibility of cherishing, understanding, and contributing to this land with dedication and pride.
Reflections from the Guests of Honour
Shri S. R. Vishwanath: “The First School to Integrate Farmers and Soldiers”
In his invigorating address, Shri S. R. Vishwanath praised the initiative as “a unique and pioneering event.” Drawing parallels with the ancient gurukul system—where students were trained in life skills, warfare, ethics, and self-sufficiency—he remarked that the ambience of Vishwa Vidyapeeth evoked the same spirit.
What distinguished the event, he noted, was the rare and powerful integration of two communities often celebrated separately: soldiers and farmers. “This is the first school,” he declared, “to offer students first-hand exposure to both the protectors of our borders and the guardians of our food security.”
Coming from a farming background himself and having served at HAL, he spoke with deep conviction about the resilience of both professions: “No climate affects a soldier or a farmer. Whether glaciers, landslides, or sweltering summers—soldiers stand steadfast at the borders, just as farmers toil to ensure that every Indian is fed.”
He referenced the Prime Minister’s extended slogan, “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan,” highlighting the need for scientific progress to empower agriculture and the defence sector. Appreciating the school’s initiative of cultivating paddy and vegetables on campus, he noted that it reflected true experiential learning—teaching children where food truly comes from.
Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav: “Proud Son of a Farmer, Defender of the Nation”
Param Vir Chakra awardee Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav delivered an electrifying and deeply emotional message. Declaring his pride in being “the son of a farmer,” he emphasised that the nation survives because farmers nourish it and soldiers protect it.
He applauded Vishwa Vidyapeeth for foregrounding a theme of such national relevance. Farmers, he said, are akin to rishis who nurture the earth, while soldiers are like saints who safeguard the nation with unshakeable faith and discipline.
Addressing the students, he urged them to draw inspiration from these two archetypes. Farmers exemplify devotion to the earth, braving climate and hardship; soldiers demonstrate strength, discipline, and self-confidence. He encouraged children to aspire toward swaraj, swarashtra, and swavalamban—self-governance, identity, and self-reliance.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he reminded them of the importance of being karmaveer—performers of duty who remain resolute regardless of obstacles.
Padma Shri Dr Khader Valli: “Return to Siridhanya, Return to Health”
Padma Shri Dr Khader Valli addressed the modern crisis of over-commercialised agriculture. With candour and scientific clarity, he explained how contemporary farming practices and heavily processed foods have led to declining health, ecological imbalance, and the erosion of traditional wisdom.
He lamented how the Green Revolution, though well-intentioned, resulted in the fading of organic lifestyles and the marginalisation of ancient crops such as millets. He warned that humanity now stands at a crossroads—either to pursue unsustainable modernity or return to nourishing, earth-friendly practices.
Millets, which he termed siridhanya, he said, possess the innate capacity to heal, sustain, and protect human health. His message was a compelling call to revive traditional farming and food habits to reinforce societal well-being.
Lt Col Sumit Ranjan Basu (Retd): “Every Child is a Hero in the Making”
Lt Col Basu expressed his profound humility in being part of the occasion. He reminded students that they are the true VIPs of any institution. He emphasised that every profession—whether soldier, farmer, or any other—can embody heroism when performed with honesty and dedication.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita’s celebrated verse, “Yad yad acharati shreshtas,” he highlighted the power of exemplary conduct. Students, he said, must strive to be role models, focusing not on accolades but on purpose and perseverance.
Shri Chatnalli Mahesh: “Honouring the Yogi of the Soil”
Shri Chatnalli Mahesh invoked poet Kuvempu’s depiction of farmers as yogis—individuals whose labour, humility, and communion with the earth elevate them to a spiritual stature. He applauded Vishwa Vidyapeeth for creating awareness of the struggles and contributions of the farming community, and reminded the audience of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s timeless slogan: Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.
A Living Campus: Exhibitions, Expeditions, and Cultural Celebrations
The event was enriched by an inspiring speech from weightlifting champion and Life Coach Smriti Kuchal, adding yet another dimension of aspiration for students.
The campus itself transformed into a vibrant learning hub. Students showcased intricate models of military equipment, war memorials, and defence technologies. Stalls across the grounds displayed indigenous foods, textiles, and organic produce, reflecting India’s traditional resources and sustainable practices.
The three-day festival also featured Harate, a special forum where experts from various sectors shared insights on the lives, challenges, and contributions of soldiers and farmers.
Cultural brilliance illuminated the evenings with powerful performances of Kamsale, Dollu Kunita, Veeragase, and a breathtaking musical concert by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej.
A Celebration of Gratitude and National Pride
“Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” emerged not merely as an event but as a movement—an evocative reminder of the two communities whose labour and sacrifice uphold the nation’s very existence. Vishwa Vidyapeeth succeeded in creating a space where reverence for the soil and respect for the uniform converged, inspiring every student to embrace duty, dignity, and devotion to the motherland.
Through this grand celebration, the school reaffirmed that true education lies not just in textbooks, but in understanding the people who shape the nation’s past, present, and future.
