There was a time when he had to sit on a jute mat in a government school; today, that same student bears the responsibility of leading the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. He did not inherit any high office, nor was the path to success an easy one. Hard work, courage, and the determination to lead propelled a student from a government school to the chair of the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared these experiences with students during an interaction at the PM SHRI Adarsh Senior Secondary School in Mehla on Friday. He emphasized that to dream big, one needs a strong spirit rather than favorable circumstances. A child studying in a government school can, through hard work and dedication, go on to become the Chief Minister of the state. He urged them to set ambitious goals and pursue them with complete sincerity.
This interaction between the Chief Minister and the students was special in many ways. The children did not just come to listen; they spoke freely about their challenges, asked questions, and shared their dreams for the future.
Stepping beyond the formal constraints of the stage, the Chief Minister spent time among the children. He laughed along with them at their questions and offered life lessons that will serve as a lasting source of inspiration for the students.
For the students of Mehla, this interaction was more than just a meeting with the Chief Minister—it was an opportunity to give new wings to their dreams. While they received assurances regarding school facilities, the story of the Chief Minister’s own struggles taught them that regardless of the circumstances, no goal is out of reach when one possesses a firm resolve. The Chief Minister spent time with a group of 40 students.
Upon arriving at the school, the Chief Minister joined a group of about 40 students. He shook hands with them, embraced them, and asked what they aspired to become when they grew up.
In response, 10 children expressed a desire to become police officers, 15 wished to be teachers, and 10 aspired to join the armed forces. Two children expressed dreams of becoming lawyers, one aspired to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), one wanted to be a commando, and another aimed to become a doctor.
The Chief Minister smiled and asked, “Doesn’t anyone want to become a politician?” No one raised their hand. Laughing, he remarked that he himself had studied in a government school before becoming the Chief Minister.
Children highlight school challenges; Chief Minister announces a grant of two crore rupees.
The conversation went beyond just dreams. Suhani, a 12th-grade student, pointed out a shortage of classrooms, noting that there aren’t enough rooms relative to the number of students.
Recalling his own student days, the Chief Minister shared that he, too, had to sit on a *taat* (a jute mat) to study during his primary school years. He announced a grant of two crore rupees, to be released once a site for a new building is secured and the necessary formalities are completed. Govind, a fifth-grade student, mentioned the need for a large hall to host competitions; the Chief Minister assured him that such a hall would be built at the school. Meanwhile, Param Chauhan, an 11th-grade student, explained that many students walk three to four kilometers to reach school. A bus service was previously available but has since been discontinued. In response, the Chief Minister promised to have the bus service reinstated.
Feeling stressed by exams? Look away from your books and talk to those close to you.
Tamanna Kapoor, an 11th-grade student, asked how to cope with stress during examinations. The Chief Minister advised that when feeling stressed, one should take a break from studying and talk to friends, classmates, or family members. Engaging in conversation and laughter helps reduce stress. He also advised limiting the use of mobile phones.
All of Himachal is one family; maintaining economic balance is the greatest challenge.
Shivaya, a sixth-grade student, asked what the biggest challenge is after becoming the head of the state. The Chief Minister replied that maintaining economic balance is the greatest challenge. No Sunday Off: CM Sukhu
Meanwhile, when Ayush, a seventh-grade student, asked him whether he gets a day off on Sundays after becoming the Chief Minister, Sukhu replied with a smile, “A Chief Minister can grant a day off to others, but cannot take one himself.”
Hearing this, the children smiled. The Chief Minister explained that while he is among students today, the very next day he has to attend to the concerns of other children and the general public.
Most of his time is spent in the service of the people. This interaction with the students went beyond a simple Q&A session; it unfolded into a collection of inspiring stories—covering struggles, successes, failures, and various life experiences.
