Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered the inaugural address at the Hindu Spiritual and Seva Mela 2024 in Jaipur, where he underscored the fundamental values of Sanatana Dharma and expressed concern over religious conversions being carried out in a structured manner as a policy. The Vice President’s address reflected deeply on the principles of Indian culture, emphasising inclusivity, seva to others, and the importance of preserving national unity.
न त्वहं कामये राज्यं
न स्वर्गं नापुनर्भवम् ।
कामये दुःखतप्तानां
प्राणिनाम् आर्तनाशनम् ।
Quoting an ancient Sanskrit verse, the Vice President invoked the spirit of seva that has been the foundation of Indian civilisation for millennia: “I do not yearn for heaven or liberation; I simply wish that my life be dedicated to alleviating the suffering of those in pain.” He emphasised that this sentiment is at the heart of Indian culture, which has endured foreign invasions and colonial rule without diminishing its commitment to seva. The Vice President also highlighted the Hindu community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the strong spirit of seva ingrained in society.
Referring to the constitutional values of India, Dhankhar remarked that the Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects the essence of Sanatana Dharma. He noted that the inclusivity and life-affirming values embedded in Hindu philosophy extend beyond humanity to include all living beings and nature. He asserted, “Hindu religion is quintessentially inclusive in the true sense. It speaks not only of humanity but also emphasises the protection of all living beings and nature.”
The Vice President’s speech touched on the global relevance of Sanatana Dharma in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change. He stated that if the world had adhered to the principles of Sanatana philosophy, the existential threat of climate change could have been avoided. He noted India’s leading role in advocating for sustainable practices rooted in the country’s ancient wisdom, which is now being recognised and adopted globally.
A significant portion of the Vice President’s address focused on the rising concern of religious conversions, which he described as being carried out in a structured manner, especially targeting vulnerable sections of society, including tribal communities. He called this a planned conspiracy that is antithetical to India’s constitutional principles and values. “We are witnessing very painfully religious conversions in a structured manner as a policy, and this is antithetical to our values and constitutional premises,” Shri Dhankhar said, urging for vigilance and swift action against these forces.
He also expressed concerns about efforts to fragment India and manipulate the country’s politics, suggesting that religious conversions could have dire consequences for national unity. Highlighting the threat posed by such activities, he emphasised the importance of nationalism and patriotism in safeguarding the country from external and internal forces attempting to divide it.
Concluding his address, the Vice President reaffirmed the enduring strength of Indian civilisation and its resilience against external pressures, asserting that India’s inclusive, service-oriented ethos continues to guide the nation even in modern times. He reiterated the need for vigilance in the face of forces that threaten the country’s unity and culture.
The Hindu Spiritual and Seva Mela 2024, held in Jaipur, celebrates the rich spiritual heritage of India and aims to inspire citizens to uphold the values of service and inclusivity in the face of modern challenges.
