New Delhi— On the occasion of 100th birth anniversary of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Vice President of India, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered an address on September 1 at the college premises in Dehradun.

In his address, the Vice President paid tribute to the alma mater of the youth and emphasised the importance of national service.

He said, "I am here because of you. I was one of you six decades ago, when I went to Sainik School, Chittorgarh. What I said? My biological birth was in the village of Kithana, district Jhunjhunu, but my real birth was in Sainik School, Chittorgarh."

He added, "All that I am today is because of my parents, grandparents, my teachers, and, more importantly, my alma mater. That connection is lasting, and I am sure destiny will ensure it continues even when I meet my maker."

The Vice President also emphasised the role of women in the economic development of the country.

He said, "It is indeed a privilege, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life, to be at this over hundred-year-old remarkable institution, one of its own kind and unique."

He also appealed to the alumni of RIMC to act as a think tank to imbibe in the youth a spirit of nationalism as also take all steps to neutralise anti national pernicious designs.