NEW DELHI: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday emphasised the deeply rooted value of tolerance in Indian civilization, stressing that social harmony and inclusivity are essential to societal well-being.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society (MATES) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Dhankhar said, “Without social harmony, everything else becomes irrelevant. No matter how wealthy we are, or how large our homes, if there is no peace, it means nothing. Social harmony is our ornament, a tradition we have cherished for centuries.”
He encouraged the audience, particularly young people, to practice tolerance and seek to strengthen social harmony in all interactions. “Look at your parents, teachers, elders, and neighbors,” he said. “If you embody tolerance and foster harmony, it will be like a rain that brings joy to all.”
Dhankhar urged individuals to be open-minded and receptive, reflecting on ways to promote social harmony. “We are human beings, not robots for economic progress,” he said, reminding the audience that India’s civilization spans 5,000 years.
He also called for a balance between rights and duties, pointing out that civic responsibilities must come first. “We are very conscious of our rights, but each right is accompanied by a duty,” he said. “Our fundamental rights should be balanced by our responsibilities, just as national interests are paramount over personal or political concerns.”
Highlighting the importance of listening to others’ views, Dhankhar noted that this openness serves as a form of course correction. “When we cling to our own opinions as the only truth, we often miss valuable insights. Differing opinions should be seen as an opportunity for growth and understanding, not as conflicts.”
Dhankhar also praised the National Education Policy (NEP) and new internship programs, calling them transformative. He explained that the NEP was crafted after extensive consultations and now fosters experiential learning, critical thinking, and partnerships between academia and industry, particularly through initiatives for youth internships.
Addressing India’s youth and Generation Z as the “driving force behind politics, economy, and social harmony,” Dhankhar encouraged them to set ambitious goals in light of India’s advancements on land, at sea, and in space.
He urged young people to embrace economic nationalism, expressing concern that fiscal interests sometimes overshadow national priorities. “Our economic nationalism must not be compromised. Reducing unnecessary imports can have a significant impact, saving billions and supporting local entrepreneurship.”
Dhankhar also highlighted the importance of faculty over infrastructure in educational institutions, describing faculty as the “fragrance” of an institution. He concluded by advocating for respect toward India’s wealth creators, recognizing their role as contributors to economic growth, job creation, and social harmony.
The event was also attended by dignitaries including Mahesh Verma, Vice-Chancellor of GGSIP University, Nand Kishore Garg, Founder Chairman and Advisor of MATES, and Vineet Kumar Lohia, Chairman of MATES, along with students and other notable guests.
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