‘Tolerance’ Inalienable Facet of ‘Social Harmony’: VP Dhankhar at MATES Event

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Nov. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stressed the importance of tolerance as an essential element of सामाजिक समरसता (social harmony) during his address as Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society (MATES) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today.

Describing tolerance as a virtue deeply embedded in India’s civilization, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Tolerance is the premise of harmony and inclusivity in society. It is an inalienable facet of social harmony. Without it, everything else becomes irrelevant.” He further explained that social harmony is the key to personal and societal peace, drawing parallels to the significance of peace within a family.

Dhankhar urged the audience to embrace tolerance and social harmony, saying, “If you uphold social harmony, it will be like rain in which everyone experiences joy. In every action, ask yourself, ‘How can I increase social harmony?'”

Reflecting on the balance between rights and duties, he emphasized, “Every right is qualified by your duty. Duties must always take precedence over rights.” He stressed that the nation’s interest supersedes personal or political interests, and citizens must prioritize their civic duties.

The Vice President also addressed the need to value differing opinions as a mechanism for course correction. He advised the audience to remain open to alternative viewpoints, saying, “Differing opinions are a form of energy that allows individuals to course correct. It shows you the other side of the coin.”

Speaking on the government’s new internship mechanism, Dhankhar called it a “game-changer” for the youth. He praised the National Education Policy (NEP) for its focus on experiential learning, critical thinking, and industry-academia partnerships. The new internship scheme, he noted, integrates entrepreneurial skills and design thinking, making entrepreneurship a viable career path for students.

Acknowledging the influence of Gen-Z, Dhankhar called them the driving force behind the nation’s politics, economy, and social harmony. “You are the driving force behind politics, economy, growth, and social harmony. Set your targets and believe in your nation. Economic nationalism should be our mantra.”

In a call for economic self-reliance, he urged the youth to focus on reducing avoidable imports, which could save billions in foreign exchange and boost entrepreneurship. “Swadeshi should be our basic mantra,” he emphasized.

In closing, Dhankhar underscored the importance of faculty in shaping institutions, asserting, “An institution is defined by its faculty more than by infrastructure. Faculty is its fragrance.” He also reiterated the significance of respecting wealth creators in society, stating they are the backbone of India’s economy, job creation, and social harmony.

The event was attended by prominent figures including Dr. Mahesh Verma, Vice-Chancellor of GGSIP University, Dr. Nand Kishore Garg, Founder Chairman and Advisor of MATES, Vineet Kumar Lohia, Chairman of MATES, along with students and other dignitaries.