Students’ discipline and dedication will lead the nation on the path of progress: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, 12 January 2026 : The Chief Minister of Delhi,  Rekha Gupta, on Monday attended the inaugural ceremony of the National School Band Competition (Northern Zone) 2025-26 at Chhatrasal Stadium as the Chief Guest. The Chief Minister said that this competition serves as a platform to cultivate the core values of leadership, discipline and nation-building. The precision and musical unity displayed by the students strongly reinforce the spirit of ‘Nation First’. During the programme, the Chief Minister observed the performances of various school band teams and extended her best wishes to all participants, stating that they are not merely competitors, but standard-bearers of India’s bright future. On this occasion, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood, MLA  Ashok Goyal and other distinguished guests were also present.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta encouraged the students and said that, in line with the National Education Policy, the Delhi Government is giving equal importance to sports, arts and cultural activities along with academics to ensure the holistic development of students. Events such as band competitions strengthen discipline, creativity and leadership skills among students. The discipline and dedication of students will lead the nation forward on the path of progress. She said it is a matter of pride for Delhi that it is hosting the North Zone of the National School Band Competition for the first time.

The Chief Minister further said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is steadily moving forward with the resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, in which the role of youth power is extremely important. When students from different states of the country, representing diverse languages, cultures and traditions, come together on one platform and perform with rhythm, harmony and discipline, they convey a powerful message of national unity. Their performances demonstrate that despite diversity, India is bound together by a single thread. This event truly brings the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ to life.

On this occasion, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood interacted with the students and said that 12 January is National Youth Day. Swami Vivekananda had instilled in India the belief that youth power is the nation’s power. He said that a band is not merely an expression of music or rhythm, but also a strong symbol of discipline and self-control. The march-past performed during band presentations teaches us team spirit and how to move forward together in life. He added that even a moment’s lapse, or a delay in rhythm or steps, can disrupt the harmony of the entire team and undermine months of hard work. Therefore, a band is not limited to tunes and melodies alone; it deeply instils values such as teamwork, self-discipline and responsibility in life.

About the Competition

The competition is being organised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. It is being conducted by the Directorate of Education and the Department of Education and Sports of the Delhi Government. The competition commenced on 12 January and will continue until 13 January 2026. Around 1,000 students from 10 northern states and Union Territories, namely Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Chandigarh are participating. A contingent of 100 students from each state and Union Territory has arrived in Delhi to take part in the event.