Deputy CM Agnihotri Shares Personal Sacrifice at Shining Star Awards
A Personal Touch at the Shining Star Awards
S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: During a poignant speech that resonated with many parents, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri revealed a personal sacrifice that highlights the emotional toll public service can take on leaders.
“I missed my daughter’s award ceremony due to my obligations to serve the community,” Agnihotri shared with an audience of over 1,300 attendees at the Shining Star Awards event held on Monday.
“She was upset with me for days. However, you are fortunate to be here, celebrating your children’s accomplishments. Treasure this moment,” he added.
The gathering, which included high-achieving students who scored over 90% in their Class 10 and 12 board exams, their proud parents, and esteemed education officials, listened intently as Agnihotri spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
In addition to sharing his personal story, the Deputy CM encouraged the youth to view politics as a noble career choice. He emphasized that politics is not merely about power but about serving the community. “It’s a platform for initiating real change,” he stated.
Agnihotri also instructed senior officials from the Jal Shakti Department to ensure that schools do not experience water shortages during the summer months. He urged the Transport Department to expedite the issuance of driving licenses for the meritorious students to avoid bureaucratic delays.
His emotional connection with the audience made the event memorable. Students eagerly waited to obtain his autograph on their merit certificates. Despite repeated calls for him to leave for another engagement in Shimla, the Deputy CM remained, surrounded by students.
In a touching display of humility, Agnihotri knelt down for a group photo with the young achievers. As parents and students encouraged him to stay longer, he nearly missed lunch but managed to grab a quick bite at the insistence of his admirers before leaving.
Having traveled from Una to Dharamshala and then to Shimla in a matter of hours, the Deputy CM’s presence brought warmth, inspiration, and significance to an event that will be cherished by all who attended.