Country is in an epic mood & we are progressing at everything – Vice-President

The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today asserted that the country is in an epic mood and we are progressing at everything. Emphasizing that “India’s rise is unstoppable”, he asked the youth to take pride in country’s phenomenal rise.

Addressing the students and faculty members of IIT Dharwad today, VP referred to recent statements by global institutions like World Bank and IMF, and described India as favourite destination of investment and opportunities. Emphasizing that we were number one nation in the world centuries ago he asserted that we will be number one in 2047 and asked the youth to gear up for it.

During his day-long tour to Hubbali-Dharwad today, the Vice-President inaugurated the main gate complex, knowledge resource and data center, and Central learning theatre at IIT Dharwad. He also laid the foundation stone of the rooftop solar panel facility, which will further the green energy ecosystem.

Describing the youth as the most vital stakeholders in the governance and democracy, he expressed hope that they will bring about the change that the nation needs. Exuding confidence that in times to come, IIT Dharwad will march up to the top level, VP appealed to alumni to form an association and give back to their alma mater in every form.

Asserting that no democracy is complete unless there is equality before the law, VP stated that the first thing today’s youth want is – equality before law. “Without equality before the law, your dignity is compromised. Those who considered themselves above law are being held accountable and are learning the hard way that equality before the law is the ground reality today,” he added.

Noting that corruption had been “a bane for too long a period,” Shri Dhankhar highlighted that nothing was possible a few years ago without corruption. “Corruption was the only passage to secure a government contract, a government job or avail an opportunity & liaison agents infested power corridors,” he stated while drawing attention to recent reforms to bring transparency in the system. VP asserted that a big change has come now as power corridors have been sanitised of corrupt elements and underlined that “not favouritism, not patriotism and not nepotism but only merit and merit alone will dictate outcome of young mind’s efforts.”

Stressing that we must be proud of our exponential and phenomenal growth, VP said that some elements are not able to digest India’s progress. Expressing pain at anti-national narratives set afloat by some forces for petty political gains, he called upon the youth to neutralize such sinister efforts.

Referring to Vikrant, frigates and Tejas, he said that we are a country that is not only making defence equipment but also exporting it—a situation which is a big change.

On this occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Pralhad Joshi praised the Vice-President for being the youngest lawyer in country’s history who was designated as ‘Senior Advocate’ by the Supreme court after a practice of just eleven years. “So far this is a record & nobody has become a senior counsel in such a short span and young age,” he added.

Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor, Karnataka, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.