‘Duty and Democracy Are Key to India’s Progress’: VP Dhankhar

New Delhi: In a captivating address at the inauguration ceremony of ‘KARTAVYAM’ at Delhi University, the Vice-President of India emphasized the importance of the Constitution, citizen duty, and the active role of youth in shaping the future of the nation.

Opening his address, the Vice-President recalled his experience as the Governor of West Bengal and as a Union Minister, stressing the significance of the position held by individuals who shape India’s journey. He acknowledged the revered presence of notable alumni like Justice H.R. Khanna, whose legacy is intertwined with the country’s constitutional history, and highlighted his dissent during the 1975 Emergency.

The Vice-President also recalled the dire period following the declaration of the Emergency, when democracy faced its darkest phase. “On 25th June 1975, the Constitution was tested and undermined,” he said, urging the students to remember the significance of both Constitution Day and Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, marking the adoption of the Constitution and the challenges it has faced.

Discussing the essence of the ‘KARTAVYAM’ initiative, he noted that it encourages a deeper understanding of duty. “KARTAVYAM,” a Sanskrit term meaning duty, reflects the action and moral responsibility that sustains civilizations, he said. He stressed that institutions like the Campus Law Centre have been crucial in shaping India’s democratic discourse, referring to the late Arun Jaitley and others whose contributions have left an indelible impact.

Drawing on India’s ancient traditions, the Vice-President reminded the audience that democracy thrives not only through government action but through active participation from its citizens. “Democracy is built by citizens, and its soul resides in every individual,” he said, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility and active engagement in upholding the values of the Constitution.

He further highlighted the critical role of citizens in ensuring that democracy remains vibrant, expressing his concern over recent efforts to portray constitutional offices as mere ceremonial positions. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” he remarked, stressing that the Constitution places ultimate sovereignty with the people of India.

The Vice-President also discussed the evolution of the Constitution, noting that the Fundamental Duties, introduced by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, reinforce the concept that citizens must prioritize duties over rights. He encouraged students to take pride in their responsibilities and contribute to India’s growth, which is on the cusp of becoming a global leader.

“The rise of India is unstoppable,” the Vice-President concluded, urging the youth to avoid partisanship and focus on national interests. “We must uphold our national identity, defend sovereignty, and foster unity,” he said, invoking the principles of social harmony, inclusivity, and collective progress that define India’s vision for the future.

Through his address, the Vice-President called for a renewed commitment to the Constitution and to ‘KARTAVYAM,’ a movement that emphasizes the civic responsibilities of every citizen in nurturing the democratic fabric of the nation.