KURUKSHETRA (Hry), Dec 8: On Sunday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that “Viksit Bharat” is no longer a vision but a target that must be accomplished through the collective efforts of the citizens, guided by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
He cautioned against forces that seek to harm India.
“We have set our sights on achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. It is no longer just a dream but our goal. To realize this, we need to keep the essence of the Gita in our hearts…. Just as Arjuna was committed to his aim, we too must adopt that same vision, determination, and focus,” Dhankhar remarked.
Speaking at an event during the ongoing International Gita festival, the vice president expressed his conviction that the objective of a developed India could be reached by the collective efforts of the country’s populace by 2047, or perhaps even sooner.
“The roles of ‘sathi’ and ‘sarathi’ are essential. Over the past decade, India has experienced unparalleled economic growth, the establishment of remarkable institutional frameworks, and an extraordinary status and respect globally, which was once thought impossible,” Dhankhar shared.
He noted that India’s voice is resonating powerfully in today’s world.
The vice president highlighted the importance of a “Panchamrit” model of governance, inspired by the Gita’s teachings.
“I reflected deeply on what message I could convey from this sacred place that every citizen can adopt independently. I propose five fundamental principles from the Gita, which I term the Panchamrit of governance, that every citizen can embrace with a steadfast resolve,” he stated.
Expanding on the first principle — constructive dialogue — Dhankhar remarked, “The interaction between Krishna and Arjuna illustrates that differing opinions should not turn into conflicts.”
“Disagreements are a natural part of life as people think differently. Our Constituent Assembly also faced differences, but it resolved them through debate and discussion. This is a significant lesson, and I expect our MPs, state assembly members, and local representatives to prioritize constructive dialogue.
“The results of such dialogue should benefit societal and national interests, not personal agendas. National interest trumps all other interests,” he emphasized.
Dhankhar identified personal integrity as the second principle.
“Those in positions of authority, whether in governance, politics, or economics, must set a positive example as their behavior profoundly influences society,” he stated.
“The third principle is selfless dedication. Lord Krishna teaches us that work should not be for personal gain but for the greater good. With this spirit, I urge everyone to see the journey towards a developed India by 2047 as a grand yagna. Each person must contribute to this collective effort for the nation’s benefit,” he added.
The vice president remarked that the fourth principle is compassion, which encapsulates the “essence of our 5,000-year-old culture.”
“The fifth principle is mutual respect…. Consider the vast diversity we embody, yet it all converges into unity. This concept should be integrated into governance under the Panchamrit framework,” he explained.
Dhankhar highlighted India’s swift progress in recent years and expressed optimism that the country, currently the fifth-largest economy globally, would soon surpass Germany and Japan.
He warned of certain forces both within and outside the country that, through financial means and methods, aim to undermine India, its economy, and its institutions.
“Their malevolent designs target to defame our constitutional institutions and hinder our growth trajectory. Such forces must not be overlooked now.
“Our cultural wisdom indicates that at times, such forces must be vanquished…. This understanding is drawn from the Gita,” he affirmed.
“From this sacred ground, I want to send a clear message: our nation is paramount. There are no boundaries to our love for the country; it should be pure and unwavering. We will always prioritize the nation,” he asserted.
“We must remember we are Indians. Our Indianness defines us, and we belong to a remarkable country unlike any other in the world. So, would we permit any harm to our Mother India?” Dhankhar challenged the audience.
In reference to the Centre’s free ration initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which benefits 80 crore impoverished citizens, the vice president criticized, without naming anyone, the “perverse” notion that this implies government acknowledgment of widespread poverty in the country.
“Some individuals embody a mindset of chaos; they only critique and fail to think positively. My message to them is to grasp the essence of the Gita and its teachings,” he said.
The PMGKAY was initiated in April 2020 to aid the impoverished amid the COVID-19 crisis for three months and has since been extended. Under this scheme, underprivileged families receive five kilograms of free food grains each month.
In attendance were Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand, among others. (PTI)
