New Delhi, Dec 16: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday underscored the importance of viewing national issues such as development, security, welfare, and government schemes through the singular prism of the Preamble of the Constitution. Speaking at the 7th Defence Estate Day event, Dhankhar highlighted the need for collective efforts to ensure the country’s rise by embracing the values enshrined in the Constitution.
Referring to his position at the event, flanked by the director general of Defence Estate and the secretary of ex-servicemen welfare, Dhankhar made a subtle reference to his role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. “When I sit in the chair (in Rajya Sabha), on my right is the government, on the left is the opposition,” he said, drawing attention to the collaborative spirit needed for national progress. He described the secretary of ex-servicemen welfare as “constructive, directional, motivational, always helpful,” signaling a positive approach to governance.
Dhankhar also shared his optimism about the nation’s future. “We are in a nation full of hope and possibility, a nation that is on the rise, unstoppable,” he declared. He referenced India’s growing success in various sectors, including its space achievements, particularly the Chandrayaan-3 mission. In this context, he emphasized that development, nationalism, security, and welfare must be viewed in the framework of the Constitution’s ideals.
Addressing the future of defence estates, Dhankhar suggested that these assets evolve beyond traditional functions and become self-sustaining ecosystems. He advocated for their role in enhancing military readiness, community welfare, and even nutritional security. The Vice President proposed converting these areas into wellness centres and even suggested the idea of herbal gardens as part of the holistic development.
On the broader vision for India, Dhankhar called for precise land management, urging the optimal use of land resources as the nation moves toward its vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. He also addressed the issue of climate change, supporting the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, which has become a people’s movement, and advocated for collaboration with institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to set global standards.
In closing, Dhankhar stressed the importance of dispute resolution within the defence estate, suggesting that prevention should be prioritized over cure. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in development issues and called for structured, accountable sanctioning of any proposals beyond the estate’s scope.
