Constitutional Offices Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Supreme in Democracy: VP Dhankhar

New Delhi: In a powerful address at the University of Delhi’s ‘Kartavyam’ event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar stressed that in a democracy, every citizen plays a crucial role and is supreme. “For any democracy, every citizen has a pivotal role. I find it inconceivably intriguing that some have recently reflected that constitutional offices can be ceremonial or ornamental. Nothing could be further from the truth. A citizen is supreme because a nation and democracy are built by citizens. Democracy will blossom when citizens are alert and contribute,” the Vice-President said.

Dhankhar, who presided over the event as the ex-officio Chancellor of the University of Delhi, also emphasized that the Indian Constitution envisions no authority above Parliament. “There is no visualisation in the Constitution of any authority above Parliament. Parliament is supreme, and that supremacy is mirrored in every individual citizen, who exercises their power during elections,” he added.

The Vice-President highlighted the essence of the Constitution, encapsulated in the Preamble, which declares that power rests with “We, the People of India.” “The Constitution is for the people, and its safeguarding is entrusted to elected representatives who are accountable to the people, as seen in 1977 when the Prime Minister who imposed Emergency was held accountable through elections,” Dhankhar affirmed.

In his remarks on the role of citizens in democracy, Dhankhar said, “Democracy is participatory. It is not just about the government governing, but also about individuals taking responsibility to uphold symbols, preserve heritage, defend sovereignty, and foster brotherhood.” He added that while the government must create policies, it is the individual who plays an active role in shaping democracy.

Addressing the quality of discourse in a democracy, the Vice-President urged the audience to discern whether discourse is manipulated or controlled by money, muscle power, or foreign interests. “Is our discourse moderated? Is it controlled by forces working against the nation’s interests? You must discern,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of freedom of expression, noting that democracy thrives through dialogue and that the right to expression must be protected. “Expression and dialogue define democracy. However, true expression must respect differing viewpoints. This respect for dialogue and differing opinions is rooted in our civilizational heritage, exemplified in the tradition of ‘Vaad-Vivaad,’” Dhankhar added.

On the significance of speaking truth at the right time, he warned, “If you hesitate to speak the right thing at the right time, to the right group, you will not only weaken yourself but also harm positive forces.” He emphasized that nations are not built by industrialists but by individuals who recognize their power.

Concluding his address, Dhankhar urged youth to elevate their discourse beyond partisanship and focus on national interests. “Our youth must transcend partisanship and engage in thoughtful deliberation. Bharat is destined to be a global power and a developed nation. You cannot be tied to partisan interests; you must believe only in national interests,” he said.

The event was attended by notable figures including Shri Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, and Shri Prakash Singh, Director of South Delhi Campus, among others.