Vice President criticises misguided reactions to Sanatan and Hindu references
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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concern over the puzzling and often negative reactions to references to Sanatan and Hindu traditions in India.
Speaking at the International Congress of Vedanta at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Dhankhar described such responses as reflective of "misguided souls" influenced by a "dangerous ecosystem."
The Vice President highlighted the irony that terms like Sanatan and Hindu, deeply rooted in India's spiritual and cultural heritage, evoke baffling reactions in their own homeland. He criticised individuals who react without delving into the profound meanings behind these words, calling them misguided and driven by destructive ideologies.
“These elements often harbor colonial mindsets and inefficient understanding of our intellectual heritage,” Dhankhar said, adding that they undermine the rich spiritual and philosophical traditions of Vedanta.
Dhankhar warned that dismissing Vedanta and Sanatan texts as "regressive" reflects a structured and sinister effort to undermine India's cultural identity. He criticised the misuse of secularism to camouflage destructive ideologies, terming it a "pernicious design" that threatens societal harmony and democratic values.
"This intolerance disrupts harmony, productivity, and democratic values, leading only to disaster," he said.
The Vice President also addressed the challenges facing India's democratic institutions, particularly the disruption of parliamentary proceedings. He emphasized that the right to expression and the need for dialogue are fundamental to democracy.
"Expression is a divine gift, but it must be accompanied by dialogue. Without it, progress is impossible," he remarked. He lamented the increasing disruptions in Parliament, which he said have displaced meaningful debate and deliberation.
Dhankhar decried the erosion of sanctity in democratic institutions due to frequent disturbances. “Theatres of democracy must remain spaces for dialogue, debate, and deliberation. Their sanctity cannot be outraged by disruptions,” he stated.
In closing, the Vice President urged individuals to embrace and understand India’s spiritual and intellectual heritage rather than dismiss it, calling for greater introspection and harmony in preserving the nation’s cultural and democratic values.