BJP Leader Inspires Students at TNR-Shining Star Awards in Nurpur
Empowering the Youth
Sunil Chadha
Nurpur: On June 12, 2025, Ranbir Singh Nikka, a first-time MLA from Nurpur and a member of the BJP, motivated hundreds of students with compelling stories from his own life, urging them to set high aspirations and pursue them with relentless determination.
Nikka served as the chief guest at the inaugural TNR-Shining Star Awards, an initiative aimed at recognizing outstanding students throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Speaking to a full audience at this first edition of the awards in Nurpur, he praised the initiative for extending its reach beyond the state capital and district centers to honor students from towns such as Indora, Jawali, Fatehpur, and Nurpur. He remarked, “Events that celebrate student achievements deserve recognition and support. I commend Sunil Chadha, Abhinav Sharma, and the entire team for creating this remarkable platform.”
Expressing his emotions at witnessing students from his home district being honored, Nikka stated, “It’s always special to see someone return home successful, whether through academic excellence or service to the nation. Parents and teachers take immense pride when their children excel.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Nikka shared how he set his life goals early on and remained dedicated to achieving them. “Coming from a modest farming background, I’m now 46, but I’ve always found that when I pursued my passions sincerely, divine support followed. By 2005, I had already made significant progress. I had no political lineage or experience, but with God’s blessings and the love of the people, my path became clearer.”
He recounted his initial foray into public service, where he contested the panchayat pradhan elections in 2005 and faced defeat. “However, I was determined to try again. In 2010, I ran once more and won decisively. That victory reinforced my belief that once you establish your goal, everything else aligns with divine support, community backing, and encouragement from your family.”
In another anecdote, he recalled a moment when he and his friends spotted three identical black cars speeding by, one of which carried film star Hema Malini. He was inspired and vowed to own a similar car one day, which he accomplished by purchasing a Ford Endeavour in 2007-08. “That car remains a symbol of my journey from a village boy to a businessman, panchayat pradhan, and now an MLA,” he noted.
Nikka also pointed to a 1986 tractor in his yard, stating, “It represents more than just machinery; it embodies the hard work and struggles I’ve faced. Every dream I held dear was realized because I believed in them.”
Encouraging students to fearlessly pursue their ambitions, he said, “As a child, I often wondered if I would ever meet an MLA or a minister. Today, I’ve met Prime Minister Narendra Modi three times and had the privilege of meeting BJP national president JP Nadda. In a nation of 1.4 billion, it’s a blessing for someone like me to stand in such esteemed company. If it can happen for me, it can happen for anyone.”
He urged the youth to express themselves and believe in their dreams, stating, “In school, I was too shy to voice my true feelings. I want today’s students to break that barrier. Speak up. Dream big. Set your targets and pursue them.”
Concluding with an inspiring message for the young achievers, he said, “Whether your goal is to serve the nation, excel in business, or achieve academic success—set your sights high and pursue them with all your strength. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is always rewarding.” Nearly 500 meritorious students from various regions were honored during the event.