New Delhi, Dec 16: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized on Monday that development, nationalism, security, the welfare of the people, and government initiatives should all be interpreted through the “single lens” of the Constitution’s Preamble.
Speaking at the 7th Defence Estate Day event, he reflected on his position on stage, flanked by the director general of Defence Estate to his right and the secretary of the ex-servicemen welfare department to his left.
“As I took the central seat (on the dais), I was reminded of my role as chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In that capacity, the government sits to my right, and the opposition to my left,” he noted. Referring to his current situation, he added, “Here, the DG of Defence Estate is on my right, and I have no issues with him, and to my left is the secretary of ex-servicemen welfare—constructive, directional, motivational, and always supportive,” in a clear nod to the opposition.
Dhankhar conveyed this message to the Upper House of Parliament as they prepare to debate the Constitution, marking the approach to the last quarter of the century since its adoption on November 26, 1949.
The Vice President expressed his gratitude for the positive start to his day, stating, “I am deeply indebted to the people who have filled my heart with hope and optimism.” He characterized the nation as “full of hope and potential,” underscoring its upward trajectory across various sectors, including sea, land, sky, and space.
“I proclaim, ‘Yahi samay, sahi samay hai’ (this time is the right time), though some may perceive political undertones. I urge everyone to consider development, nationalism, security, and welfare schemes exclusively through the lens of our Constitution’s Preamble,” he stated, emphasizing societal appreciation of this view.
“We must take pride in our nation, for who else will? Yet, it is ironic that some individuals, perhaps out of ignorance, choose otherwise. Nevertheless, our path is one of progress,” he added, referencing the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Dhankhar also suggested that defense estates should “evolve” beyond traditional assets, evolving into “self-sustaining ecosystems” that promote military readiness, community welfare, and nutritional security. “There is no better opportunity to turn these areas into wellness centers,” he remarked, proposing the inclusion of herbal gardens.
As the nation strives toward ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, he stressed the importance of precision land management and optimal land use, stating, “It is crucial for our approach to be holistic and innovative.”
The Vice President also addressed climate change, highlighting the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign as a significant ‘jan andolan’ (people’s movement) and suggested collaboration with organizations such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to achieve a global benchmark.
On the matter of dispute resolution related to defense estates, he remarked that just as disease prevention is vital, so too is the prevention of disputes, which should be resolved without external intervention. He called for a greater emphasis on transparency and accountability, particularly concerning development issues that exceed estate boundaries and require structured approval processes.
