New Delhi: The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered a compelling address during the 7th convocation ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), urging students to question and counter anti-India narratives. Emphasizing the pivotal role of informed minds in dispelling ignorance, he stated that JNU is the “right place, the nerve-centre to engage in scrutiny” and dismantle false narratives that seek to undermine India’s Constitutional institutions, both domestically and internationally.
Shri Dhankhar encouraged students to embrace the current period, characterized by wholesome governance, affirmative policies, and a robust global economy. He highlighted the importance of an enabling system that allows students to tap into their talents, fulfill their potential, and realize ambitions and dreams.
Underlining the transformation in power corridors, the Vice-President asserted that corrupt elements have been removed, and corruption is no longer rewarded. He emphasized the government’s initiatives for inclusive growth, stressing that societal change occurs when one cares for the last person in the room.
Referring to the recent consecration ceremony of ‘Ram Lalla’ in Ayodhya, Shri Dhankhar acknowledged the celebratory mood in the country and highlighted that the event, done through established legal procedures, has undone 500 years of pain.
Tracing India’s remarkable journey from being one of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies to ranking among the Top Five globally, the Vice-President reminded students of India’s resilience. He praised the country’s prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing, technological advancement, and the adaptability of its people to technological changes.
Commending India’s leadership as the president of the G20, Shri Dhankhar highlighted the positive outcomes of the summit, including the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member and the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. He reiterated the essence of India’s Presidency motto, ‘One Earth-One Family-One Future,’ rooted in the country’s civilizational ethos.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries such as Dr. Subhas Sarkar, Union Minister of State for Education, Shri Kanwal Sibal, Chancellor of JNU, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of JNU, faculty members, and students.