Expressing concern, Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar on August 31, 2024 said that it is unfortunate that challenges to our democracy and spirit of nationalism are emanating from people who once had been in governance or positions of authority. “To subserve narrow partisan interests they go to the extent of floating anti national narratives and comparing our great democracy with the system in the neighbourhood”, he added.
Cautioning youth,Dhankhar said that “these people make all efforts to lead us astray by camouflaging their real intentions and turning Nielsen’s eye to the exponential, unprecedented growth of this country. Its economic upsurge and its phenomenal rise in global comity of nations”.
He strongly criticised comparisons made between India’s stable democracy and systems in neighbouring countries, questioning, “Can we ever compare?” The Vice President urged the youth to rise against such narratives, calling for them to neutralise, revoke, and expose these damaging comparisons.
He pointed out that India, as the largest and most vibrant democracy, led by a Prime Minister serving a third consecutive term, should not be subjected to such derogatory observations. “How can this thought occur to anyone who believes in the nation, nationalism, and democracy here?” he asked, condemning such narratives as “dastardly” and “beyond words.”
Addressing the students and faculty at CSIR-IIP in Dehradun today, Dhankhar underlined the imminent challenge of climate change and natural disasters facing humanity.
Emphasising on the need for climate justice, Dhankhar said that “ Climate change disproportionately affects the vulnerable and that is why climate Justice must be our guiding principle”.
Acknowledging the fact that as children of mother Earth we have a responsibility to protect our planet, nurture our planet, Shri Dhankhar praised the mainstreaming of sustainable development agenda by Bharat into global commitments, Dhankhar remarked “Reflecting our age old spirit, essence of our civilisation, Our Bharat has not only mainstreamed sustainability into domestic governance but has also steered global commitments because we don’t take ourselves separate from the world. We say the world is one family- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
“Bharat has mainstreamed sustainability into global commitments.International Solar Alliance, Green Credit Initiative at COP 28 and the cross cutting theme of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). A theme extremely successful for societal development and growth, envisioning a mass movement stimulating behavioural change at the individual level with vital positive impacts”, he added.
Highlighting the critical importance of clean energy for sustainable development, the Vice-President said, “Clean energy is not just another option; it is the only option. Without it, we face an existential challenge. Any other growth mechanism will threaten our planet.”
Tracing the economic rise of Bharat, he said “from being labelled one of the “Fragile Five” economies, India has emerged as the fifth-largest global economy, projected to become the third-largest by 2030. Economic progress of Bharat is harmonised with sustainable development; ensures a proud legacy for future generations”.
Calling upon the corporates and governments to support research and development, Dhankhar emphasised, “Research and development defines a country’s rise. Governments and Corporates must loosen their purse to propel research”.
“Science and research play a crucial role in opening new avenues that propel India’s growth. I call upon the government and the corporate sector to put research on priority. Let there be greater involvement of finance in nurturing and developing research and development”, he added.
Drawing attention to the misuse of natural resources, Dhankhar stated “ We are in trusteeship of your natural resources! Consumption of natural resources can not be dictated by our fiscal power. We must focus on the optimal utilisation and preservation of natural resources. They are limited, given by nature and are not for the benefit of an individual. Natural resources are for all to be equitably consumed and not to be inequitably utilised”.
Dhankhar emphasised the nation’s pivotal role during the G20 Summit 2023 with the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance. He described this as a historic and widely appreciated development, with India taking a pivotal step towards a sustainable energy future, thereby contributing to sustainable development and ensuring a habitable planet. He also underscored India’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, with significant progress in expanding biofuel use in the transport sector.
Dhankhar also pointed to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in India, a development that was once a distant dream but has now become a reality. These advancements, he remarked, are receiving unprecedented support, contributing to the broader vision of a circular economy.
Dhankhar exhorted youth to ‘de-silo’ themselves and fully utilise the various opportunities available to them in the nation today. “Undue focus on government jobs is taking a heavy toll on our youth. It is worrisomely seductive , addictive. Our youth are choking in silos unmindful of amazing opportunity vistas. Remember the IMF accolade that India is favourite global destination of investment and opportunities. It was certainly not premised on government jobs”, he added.
Underlining the recent advancements made by the country in the field of pioneering technologies like quantum computing, 6G, the Vice-President said that “It is time for us to no longer look up to the West and be innovative in these areas so that we are in a position to give it to the other nations. It is soothing to note that in disruptive technologies, our country is amongst single-digit nations that are focusing on it. By way of illustration, our quantum computing mission, our green hydrogen mission, and commercial exploitation of 6G technology are some areas where we are in the league of nations that are in the front line”.
Lt. Gen Gurmeet Singh, Governor Uttarakhand, Dr. H.S Bisht, Director, CSIR-IIP, students and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
