Vice President Dhankhar advocates ending VIP culture in temples
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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for the eradication of VIP culture in religious spaces, emphasising that practices like VIP darshan undermine the principles of equality and divinity.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Shri Saanidhya’ queue complex at the Sri Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala, Karnataka, he stressed the importance of fostering inclusivity and unity to drive India’s progress.
VP Dhankhar highlighted that prioritising individuals as VIPs or VVIPs diminishes the essence of equality, particularly in religious contexts. “VIP culture is an aberration. It has no place in a society rooted in equality, let alone in places of worship,” he remarked.
In his address, the Vice President criticised the growing trend of political disruptions that, in his view, jeopardise democratic values. He cautioned against forces seeking to weaken Indian democracy through misinformation and division, describing these threats as more dangerous than climate change. “We must counter these divisive elements with a united resolve to foster development and inclusivity,” he asserted.
VP Dhankhar outlined a vision for a modern India aligned with the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, emphasising five guiding principles or ‘Panch Pran.’ These include promoting social harmony, strengthening family stability and values, ensuring environmental protection, upholding citizens' fundamental rights, and balancing these rights with fundamental duties to prioritize national interests. He further encouraged corporate leaders to channel CSR funds toward advancing health and education initiatives, underscoring the importance of India’s non-materialistic cultural heritage in shaping its developmental journey.
The newly inaugurated ‘Shri Saanidhya’ queue complex replaces the previous system, spanning 2,75,177 square feet and accommodating up to 12,000 devotees at a time. Designed by Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, the three-story structure comprises 16 halls, each capable of holding 600–800 people. The facility aims to enhance the experience for devotees while managing large crowds efficiently.
During the event, VP Dhankhar and his wife, Sudesh, offered prayers to Lord Manjunatha Swamy, the presiding deity of the temple, and toured the complex. He commended the temple trust for its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for devotees.
In addition to launching the queue complex, the VP inaugurated the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) ‘Jnana Deepa Project,’ a scholarship program aimed at empowering rural students.