Every setback can be a stepping stone toward success.
Every setback can be a stepping stone toward success.
Representing the Teachers Constituency from Bareilly-Moradabad, MLC Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon is a respected member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council. His region encompasses 52 assembly constituencies, 12 Lok Sabha constituencies, and around 6,000 educational institutions.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon is a staunch advocate for education and for the welfare of the teachers, and remains constantly vigilant about the efforts being made in this direction in the educational sector. Despite coming from a village background and belonging to a middle-class family, he has maintained a long-standing interest in education.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon wishes to extend his congratulations to the Yogi Government for the significant changes it has brought to the education system in Uttar Pradesh. He observes that education in the state is divided into three levels: basic primary education, secondary education, and higher education. Reflecting on his own experience in primary school, Dr. Dhillon recalls how students were once responsible for tasks like cleaning the premises themselves. However, he notes that since the BJP government came into power, fundamental changes have been made in the education sector, improving the system considerably.
He asserts that 90% of the primary schools in the state of Uttar Pradesh have been rejuvenated, undergoing significant transformations that are remarkable. What once served as spaces for daily chores or agricultural storage have now become temples of education. These primary schools have improved infrastructure, which has contributed to an increase in student enrollment.
In secondary education, changes have been consistently introduced to improve the quality of learning. Exams are now conducted with strict security measures to prevent cheating and use of unfair means, and all registration processes are done online, effectively eliminating opportunities for bribery and corruption. A significant achievement was the recent board exams conducted across 8,373 centers over just 14 days, with no instances of cheating reported.
Dr. Dhillon claims that in higher education, the government has taken a major step by establishing a university at every Mandal level, ensuring a stronger focus on higher education across the state. Additionally, the government has worked to address the shortage of doctors by opening 45 new medical colleges, including institutions in Saharanpur and Aligarh, many of which were developed through public-private partnerships. This initiative aims to increase the number of doctors, which will have a direct positive impact on the healthcare sector in the state. Dr. Dhillon says that the Uttar Pradesh government is carrying out all these efforts with honesty and transparency, leading to significant improvements in both education and healthcare.
Dr. Dhillon credits Prime Minister Modi for these fundamental changes, noting that after 2014, India’s demographic and global standing have transformed significantly. The way other countries perceive India has improved, thanks to the Prime Minister's initiatives. Additionally, the economic situation of India has seen marked improvement since 2014, which Dr. Dhillon believes, is a direct result of the Prime Minister’s leadership and efforts.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon emphasizes the remarkable work done by the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uttar Pradesh. He points out that while countries like Australia struggled to control the situation, India’s COVID management under Modi and Yogi Adityanath's leadership was exceptional. Despite being a developing country, India was able to perform on par with developed nations in terms of its response to the pandemic.
Dr. Dhillon highlights the massive relief efforts made during the crisis. The central government provided support to 80 crore people, while the Uttar Pradesh government extended aid to 15 crore individuals. Additionally, 23 lakh daily wage workers received Rs. 1,000 per month to help them through the pandemic. He also mentions the government's compassionate approach in supporting families who lost loved ones, ensuring that their children are educated up to 18 years of age, helping them lead a secure life.
He expresses his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in digitizing India, which has greatly facilitated his own work and that of many others. Since the advent of digitalization, communication has become much smoother, with message services and emails making interactions more efficient and convenient.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon highlights the numerous initiatives undertaken by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, particularly their efforts to donate smartphones and laptops as part of the digitization process. This initiative is aimed at supporting underprivileged children, ensuring they have access to modern technology. The goal, according to Dr. Dhillon, is to empower the younger generation so that they can compete on par with students from developed countries, both in terms of technological skills and educational opportunities.
He also points out that India’s contribution to global digitization is approximately 54%, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way within the country. Dr. Dhillon emphasizes how digitization has made processes more transparent and efficient, helping reduce corruption. It has also brought banks and businesses closer, streamlining operations and benefiting the economy.
Reflecting on the impact of digitization, he notes that while it has brought many benefits, there have also been some negative consequences. In the past, parents often worried about their children being disciplined harshly by teachers. Now, with the rise of digital awareness, incidents can be misrepresented, leading to misunderstandings and misuse of information. Dr. Dhillon stresses the importance of portraying these situations accurately to foster a healthy educational atmosphere.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon firmly believes that nothing is impossible in life, drawing inspiration from great figures like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, and even Newton—all of whom came from humble backgrounds. He points out that even individuals like Newton and Rabindranath Tagore, who were not considered bright students early on, went on to achieve great success, with Tagore becoming a Nobel laureate.
Dr. Dhillon shares a poignant story about Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, recounting a time when Dr. Kalam faced rejection in his attempt to join the army in Dehradun. Overcome with despair, he contemplated suicide in Rishikesh, but a saint’s guidance redirected his path, reminding him that there was a higher purpose for his life. Dr. Dhillon draws inspiration from this tale, emphasizing that failures and setbacks in life are often valuable lessons. He encourages individuals to view these experiences as opportunities for growth and motivation to persevere.
Dr. Dhillon observes that political figures in India tend to be sensitive about their responsibilities, often feeling the weight of their future success. This pressure drives them to engage deeply with their work and spend quality time with the communities they serve. He acknowledges that social work can be challenging, particularly in the political arena, where engaging the public in meaningful causes is not always easy.
He advises everyone to focus on positive contributions rather than dwelling on negativity. Dr. Dhillon believes that society plays a critical role in evaluating the successes and failures of its members, serving as a reflection of individual and collective efforts. By striving to work for the greater good, he asserts that people can create a lasting impact and foster a more supportive community.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon hails from Khandsal Village in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, where he encompassed exceptional academic talent from a young age, consistently ranking among the top two students in his class. He completed his primary education locally and attended junior school in his village. His fifth-grade experience included board exams, alongside those in eighth grade. Later, he moved to Amroha for high school but faced challenges due to a sudden shift in the education system, leading to difficulties in his studies. This diversion prompted him to relocate to Rohtak, where he earned his BAMS from Maharshi Dayanand University.
His dedication paid off, and he established a successful career in the medical field, earning respect and recognition for his contributions. Despite facing struggles along the way, Dr. Dhillon remains firm in his belief that divine support played a crucial role in his journey. He emphasizes that hard work is essential for achieving positive outcomes. Characterized by a sensitive personality, he was motivated by a local person who later became his competition in his pursuit of a career in medicine.
Each morning, he would rise at 5 a.m. and cycle three kilometers to pursue his studies. This steadfast commitment ultimately allowed him to become a BAMS doctor and establish a successful practice, reflecting the fruits of his labor and dedication.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon recounts an important turning point in his journey toward politics. He connected with a political figure—whom he refers to as a beloved mentor and the fifth IITian from Gorakhpur, known as Chaudhary Sir. This mentor provided significant support and even nominated Dr. Dhillon for the MLC elections. However, due to differences in perspectives, Dr. Dhillon ultimately decided to join the BJP in 2014.
As a legislator, Dr. Dhillon emphasizes the urgent need for reform in the education sector. He advocates for an education system free from fear, believing that a supportive environment is essential for quality learning. He points out that education should be a safe space, devoid of intimidation.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon appeals to the national government to introduce an Education Act aimed at creating a fear-free education system. He believes that such an act would allow teachers to educate students without the pressure of unjust accusations. Just as there are medical acts, ragging acts, and SC/ST acts in place, he advocates for an education act that would protect teachers from false allegations and promote greater transparency within the educational framework.
He asserts that education is crucial for building a better society and points out that countries ahead of India have robust education systems. By establishing this act, teachers would be safeguarded, enabling them to provide high-quality education and keep society on the right track. Dr. Dhillon has even raised his voice in the Legislative Council, urging the introduction of an education bill in Uttar Pradesh to ensure the safety and security of both students and teachers.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon shares that coming from a non-political background has presented him with numerous challenges. His family has not supported his pursuit of a future in politics, which has further complicated his journey. Despite his efforts to distance himself from politics, he believes that divine intervention has led him to persevere in this field to preserve his dignity. He credits his success to God.
He names his loved ones, including family members and friends, as his role models, acknowledging the immense support and love they have provided throughout his life. Throughout his political journey, Dr. Dhillon has garnered respect and admiration from many elders, who have advised him that he is destined to become an MLA one day, given his dedication and struggles. They all wish to see him succeed in becoming a legislative assembly member.
Dr. Dhillon has received significant affection from the public, which is evident in the votes he has garnered, even as an independent candidate. He expresses his gratitude through his service, striving to bring happiness to his constituents with his work. He conducts all his political endeavors with honesty and unwavering dedication.
Dr. Dhillon encourages the younger generation to recognize that once they build confidence, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. He stresses the importance of educating children about their potential and helping them understand the opportunities available to them. He also proudly shares that many global companies and even the World Bank have CEOs who are of Indian origin, showcasing the potential of Indian talent on the world stage. With improved infrastructure and digitization, Indian children now have the tools to enhance their skills and to advance in life.
In his appeal to students, he encourages them to maintain a positive mindset and stay focused on their goals. He believes that determination, honesty, and dedication are crucial for a bright future. Students should have a clear direction and avoid paths that lead to negativity. He warns that even the smartest students may become distracted without a positive attitude. Dr. Dhillon reminds students that everyone has equal intelligence, and success lies in knowing when to channel that intelligence.
Dr. Hari Singh Dhillon gives a powerful message to the youth: be workaholic and dedicated, remain optimistic, and move forward in life with a clear vision. He advocates being passionate and honest in one’s work, and wholeheartedly believing in God. According to him, these core principles—dedication, honesty, and faith—are essential for success.
He urges young people to read about renowned Indian and international personalities such as Einstein, Newton, Rabindranath Tagore, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, B.R. Ambedkar, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Madan Mohan Malviya. He believes there is much to learn from their lives and how they overcame challenges. Dr. Dhillon stresses that education is the key to everything, encouraging the youth to prioritize education as a means to transcend difficult circumstances and achieve success.
Education, he contends, can serve as a foundation for transforming lives, enabling individuals to aspire to become IAS or IPS officers and impactful political leaders. He calls upon the younger generation to be motivated to enact social change and to maintain a positive outlook, regardless of life's challenges. Dr. Dhillon advises against getting demotivated by setbacks and encourages patience, reminding them that tough times can be temporary and to always seek blessings from God.
He asserts that the most powerful individuals are those who are educated and urges everyone to elevate their educational pursuits.