New Delhi – In a pointed criticism of the opposition, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a speech in Dehradun, accusing former leaders of spreading anti-national narratives and challenging India’s democracy. While addressing an audience at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) in Dehradun, he expressed concern that some individuals, who once held power, are now undermining the nation’s progress and reputation on the global stage for their own personal gains.
Addressing students and faculty members, Vice President Dhankhar highlighted the pressing issue of climate change and natural disasters, emphasizing that these challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. He called for “climate justice” to be the guiding principle in addressing these issues, advocating for equitable solutions that protect the most at-risk populations.
Dhankhar also condemned the comparison of India’s robust democracy with the systems of neighboring countries, labeling such narratives as misleading and harmful. “To fulfill narrow party interests, they are spreading anti-national rhetoric and comparing our great democracy to the systems of neighboring countries,” he stated. He warned that these individuals are attempting to mislead the public by downplaying India’s unprecedented development and remarkable economic growth on the global stage.
He urged the youth to oppose such narratives and to remain objective, encouraging them to expose the flaws in these damaging comparisons. “How can anyone who believes in this nation, nationalism, and democracy entertain such thoughts?” Dhankhar questioned, stressing the importance of upholding India’s democratic values.
Furthermore, the Vice President expressed concern over the excessive focus on government jobs among the youth, describing it as alarmingly attractive yet limiting. He pointed out that many young people are unaware of the incredible opportunities available in India, a country recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a preferred global destination for investment and opportunities. “This success,” he reminded, “was certainly not built on a foundation of government jobs alone.”
Dhankhar’s remarks come as a call to action for the younger generation to resist misleading narratives and to contribute to the ongoing growth and stability of India’s democracy and economy.
