The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): : Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a compelling address at the 70th Founders’ Day of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), reflecting on India’s transformative journey over the past three decades. He highlighted the nation’s remarkable progress, the challenges it has overcome, and its growing global influence.
Recalling his experiences as a Member of Parliament in 1989, Dhankhar painted a picture of a nation grappling with economic instability, political uncertainty, and global skepticism. However, he emphasized the dramatic shift that has taken place since 2014, with India emerging as one of the top five global economies, overtaking its erstwhile colonial ruler and other nations like Canada and France.
The Vice-President attributed this remarkable transformation to visionary policies, affirmative governance, a highly productive executive, and the invaluable contribution of the people. He praised India’s digital penetration, with 50% of global digital transactions taking place in the country, and its adaptability to technology, evident in its per capita data consumption surpassing that of the USA and China combined.
Dhankhar also commended India’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the nation’s ability to not only take care of its own population but also assist 100 other countries with the Covaxin vaccine. He emphasized the soft diplomacy generated by this gesture, with world leaders expressing gratitude for India’s support.
The Vice-President touched upon significant legislative and social reforms, such as the abrogation of Article 370, the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, and the transformation of the penal system from “Dand Vidhan” to “Nyaya Vidhan.” He also highlighted India’s successful presidency of the G20, which showcased the nation’s commitment to inclusivity, its role as a prominent voice for the Global South, and its ability to organize a summit of unparalleled scale and impact.
Looking ahead, Dhankhar expressed confidence in India’s unstoppable rise, predicting that the nation will be a developed country by 2047. He emphasized the importance of technology, with India making strides in quantum computing, green hydrogen, and disruptive technologies.
The Vice-President also addressed the challenges India faces, particularly from forces within and without that seek to undermine its growth and global standing. He stressed the need for India to be represented in global institutions like the United Nations, given its unique position as the world’s largest constitutionally structured democracy.
Dhankhar underscored the importance of the rule of law and equality before the law, condemning attempts to orchestrate campaigns against the judiciary and to evade legal consequences. He also defended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), clarifying that it is a humanitarian gesture towards persecuted minorities and does not discriminate against anyone seeking citizenship through the regular process.
The Vice-President called upon Indians to rise above divisive narratives, to practice economic nationalism by being “vocal for local,” and to take pride in the nation’s historic exponential growth. He affirmed India’s role as a global leader, guided by the motto of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” a principle deeply rooted in the nation’s civilizational ethos.