Mon Dec 16 07:57:09 UTC 2024: **VP Dhankhar Urges National Unity, Development Focused on Constitution’s Preamble**
NEW DELHI (December 16, 2024) – Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a speech at the 7th Defence Estates Day, emphasizing the importance of viewing development, nationalism, security, and welfare schemes through the lens of the Constitution’s Preamble. He used his position on the dais, flanked by the Director General of Defence Estates and the Secretary of the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Department, as a metaphor for the government and opposition in Parliament, advocating for constructive collaboration.
Dhankhar highlighted India’s progress across various sectors, declaring “this is the right time” for national advancement, while urging against partisan interpretations of national progress. He stressed the need for national pride and unity, acknowledging that a small minority may hold differing views, but maintaining that India’s trajectory remains positive, citing the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s success as an example.
The Vice-President proposed several initiatives, including transforming defence estates into self-sustaining ecosystems that enhance military readiness and community welfare, even suggesting the creation of wellness centers and herbal gardens. He advocated for optimal land utilization and collaboration with organizations like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to achieve the goal of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, emphasizing the importance of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign. He also stressed the importance of preventative measures in resolving disputes related to defence estates, advocating for transparency and accountability. Dhankhar concluded his address by noting that the Rajya Sabha would begin a debate on the Constitution later that day.
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