The Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar today strongly condemned the terming of violence against women as ‘symptomatic malaise’. Addressing the students and faculty members on the theme ‘Role of Women in Viksit Bharat’ at the Bharati college, University of Delhi today, the Vice-President said “I am appalled; I am pained and somewhat surprised that someone holding a position in the Supreme Court Bar, a Member of Parliament, acting in a manner and what does he say? A symptomatic malaise and suggested that such incidents are common place? What a shame! Words fail me in condemning such a stance. It is doing greatest injustice to the high position.
Expressing his pain over suggestions made by person in high position calling such outrageous incidents are commonplace,Dhankhar termed the statements as extremely shameful. Vice President stressed that such statements are akin to trivialising the suffering of our girls. “For partisan interest? For self-interest? You take a stance, leveraging your authority to perpetrate such kind of heinous injustice to our girls and women? What can be greater injustice to humanity? We trivialise suffering of our girls? No, not any longer”, he added.
Calling upon the citizens to echo the clarion call of “enough is enough” of the President Dhankhar stated, “The President has said, enough is enough!” Let us, call it enough is enough. I want this clarion call to be national call. I want everyone to be participant in this call. Let us resolve, create a system, no longer, zero accommodation, zero tolerance when you make a girl or woman victim. You are injuring our civilisation, you are injuring sublimity, you are behaving like a monster. You are exemplifying barbarity to an extreme draconian level. Nothing should come in the way and I want everyone in the country to heed the sane, sage and timely caution by the President of India.”
Stating that the fear in the minds of our girls and women is a cause of concern, Dhankhar said, “The society where women and girls do not feel safe is not a civilized society. That democracy is tarnished; it is the biggest obstacle to our progress and today.”
“The fear in the in mind of our girls and women is a cause of concern, is a national concern. How can in land of Bharat, girls and women be unsafe. How can their dignity be outraged?…in hospital when girl doctor is in service of humanity saving lives of others?”, emphasised Vice-President.
Stressing on the need of financial independence for girls and women, Dhankhar emphasised, “I call upon each of you to be financially independent. This is quintessentially important for you to unleash your energy and potential.”
“Girls are the most important stakeholders in the development of the Nation. They constitute the backbone and spinal strength of the rural economy, agro-economy, and informal economy”, he further added.
Advocating for decimation of gender-based inequities; VP highlighted the existing gender disparity in terms of pay and opportunities for women in the society. “But can we say that there is no gender disparity today? Same qualification but different pay, better qualification but not equal opportunities. That mindset has to change. The ecosystem has to be equitable, inequities have to be decimated”, Dhankhar added.
Highlighting India’s current growth trajectory, he stressed that this progress cannot be achieved without the full participation of women, who constitute half of the country’s population. “The very thought of India as a developed nation without the participation of girls and women is not rational. They have energy, they have talent. With your participation, the dream of a developed India will be fulfilled before 2047.” he remarked.
Drawing attention to the need of Uniform Civil Code, the Vice-President underlined, “Uniform Civil Code is a constitutional ordainment. It is in directive principles. Supreme Court has severally held it is being delayed, but Uniform Civil Code that has been on the shelf for too long is a small measure of justice to your segment. Look around what it means. It will help in several ways, but majorly it will help your gender.”
Commending the significant advancements made in women’s representation in governance, Dhankhar noted that, “Reservation for women in Parliament, Lok Sabha, and state Legislatures to the extent of one third will be a game changer.” He emphasized that this landmark initiative will revolutionize policymaking and ensure that the right people occupy right seat for decision-making positions.
Expressing concern over the persistent focus of youth on government jobs, Dhankhar remarked, “I have seen and experienced the vast opportunities available to boys and girls, yet the seductive commitment to government jobs is very painful to me”. Criticizing the commercialization of coaching, he urged youth to “de-silo” and explore the abundant opportunities available.
Stressing upon the importance of anticipating and neutralizing challenges to national interest, particularly anti-national narratives, Shri Dhankhar remarked, “The world is praising us, yet some spread negativity. Are they keeping the national interest above their own interests?” He appealed to all citizens, emphasizing, “When it comes to the nation, national interest, and development, we must set aside political, partisan, and self-interest.”
Addressing the existential threat posed by climate change, Dhankhar underscored the urgency of taking immediate action to protect our planet. He echoed the Prime Minister’s call for the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, urging everyone to plant trees in honour of their mothers and grandmothers. He called upon citizens to join this noble cause, emphasizing the growing impact of the initiative. “Trust me, the Prime Minister’s call is getting real traction. But when you do it, and do it regularly, the results will be remarkable,” he said.
Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Kavita Sharma, Chairperson, Bharati College, University of Delhi, Prof. Saloni Gupta, Principal, Bharati College, University of Delhi, students, faculty members and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
