Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar issued a stark warning against forces attempting to undermine Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage, asserting that Sanatan Dharma embodies inclusivity and universal values, not subjugation. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and safeguard the country’s rich civilisation from external and internal threats.
Addressing a gathering in Kolkata on the 150th birth anniversary of Gaudiya Mission founder Acharya Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad, Dhankhar emphasised the profound role of spirituality in Bharat’s resurgence. “Some people unknowingly tarnish our spirituality. We have to protect our civilisation. Sanatan Dharma has all the answers; it stands for universal goodness and inclusivity and does not believe in subjugation. If you surrender, you become a free soul. This is why some people have an issue with Sanatan Dharma,” he stated.
‘India has withstood brutality, but our culture remains intact’
Recounting Bharat’s tumultuous past, Dhankhar reflected on how foreign invasions disrupted its status as the world’s knowledge hub. “India is the spiritual centre of the world. People from all over came here to gain knowledge. But at one point, things changed. After foreign invasions, this came to a halt. Our cultural centres were destroyed. We faced brutality, but our culture could not be destroyed,” he asserted.
Underscoring the paramount importance of cultural preservation, he warned, “If culture is destroyed, then you can’t save the nation. Culture has to be preserved, and it is important. There are forces that cast an evil eye on this holy land—we have to be vigilant.”
Dhankhar further invoked the teachings of Mahabharata, urging citizens to stay resolute. “Dharma can never be defeated. Don’t be defocused. Be focused like Arjun. What is our goal? We are Indians and nationalists. Nothing is more important than nationalism; a country without it gets destroyed.”
Bharat’s civilisational strength and the road to becoming ‘Vishva Guru’
Speaking on Bharat’s spiritual legacy, Dhankhar emphasised that the nation’s foundation is rooted in Sanatan Dharma. Addressing another gathering on the 150th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, he declared that Bharat, through its principles of non-violence, peace, and brotherhood, is destined to reclaim its role as the ‘Vishwa Guru’.
“Sanatan stands for inclusivity, universal values, patriotism, and rising above caste, creed, and economic divisions. No other country in the world has a 5,000-year-old ‘sanskriti.’ India has been the spiritual centre of the world, and we have to carry this momentum forward,” he stressed.
However, Dhankhar lamented the devastating attacks on Bharat’s historical learning institutions, highlighting the destruction of Nalanda and Takshashila universities. “We have witnessed barbarity and extremities of unimaginable proportions, yet we turned around. Now, India is again on the path of growth and progress, which cannot be possible without spiritual growth,” he added.
He also credited India’s recognition on the global stage to spiritual luminaries like Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Chaitanya, and Srila Prabhupada. Paying tribute to Bengal’s historical significance, Dhankhar remarked, “Bengal is the forerunner of every significant movement—be it spiritual, cultural, or the freedom struggle. It is the birthplace of Khudiram Bose, Chittaranjan Das, and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, whose margdarshan was crucial for both the state and the country.”
Vice President offers prayers at Tarapith Shakti Peeth
During his one-day visit to West Bengal, Dhankhar also visited the Tarapith Shakti Peeth temple in Birbhum, one of Bharat’s most revered religious sites. Expressing his spiritual experience, he stated, “Felt blessed after visiting the temple and sought bliss for the entire humanity. I have resolved to take forward Indian tradition and work on people’s welfare with more commitment.”
Emphasising the unparalleled spiritual strength of Bharat, he declared, “There is no other nation like India since our religious places and faith in them are proof of it. Our religious places are sources of inspiration.”
Shifting focus to the Northeast, Dhankhar, while addressing a gathering in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted the state’s enormous potential to become an energy powerhouse. “Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to generate 50,000 MW of power. Producing one megawatt requires an investment of Rs 10 crore, which means there is an investment potential of Rs 5 lakh crore in Arunachal Pradesh.”
Praising Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for his role in this initiative, Dhankhar remarked, “Kiren ji surely has some magic. He managed to convince the Prime Minister about this and urged all of you to seise this opportunity, cooperate, and preserve our culture.” He also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East’ policy, stating that unlike the previous ‘Look East’ approach, the new policy ensures decisive action. “Merely looking will not suffice; action is necessary,” he asserted.
