Vice-President cautions against playing politics in matters of development

Whenever we go outside the country, we are its ambassadors, says Dhankhar
Anti-national tourism undermines our collective identity, says VP
Destroying the health of India is no less than stabbing a knife in the chest of Mother India, stresses VP
Atalji’s actions were guided by a single goal—‘My India is great, my India, my nationalism’, says VP
VP addresses Public Function at Dokmardi Auditorium, Silvassa

The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today appealed to not fall prey to politics 24 hours a day. “Politics cannot be above the nation. There should be no politics in matters of development. We cannot be the victim of excessive politics at the cost of nationalism, progress of the nation and development”, he remarked.

Addressing the gathering at the Public Function at Dokmardi Auditorium, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Shri Dhankhhar underscored the importance of upholding the dignity and pride of the nation when representing India abroad. He remarked “No one has the right to go outside India and speak ill of India, sit with the enemies of India. Whenever we go outside the country, we are the ambassadors of the country, we cannot think of anything other than nationalism”.

Voicing concern over the increasing trend of individuals tarnishing India's image while abroad, he remarked, "Today, we see medical tourism and safari tourism flourishing, but why is anti-national tourism happening? If we go abroad and speak ill of our country, this is unacceptable. Such behaviour not only harms the nation but also undermines our collective identity”.

Citing the exemplary conduct of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Vice President pointed to a time when Vajpayee, though leader of the opposition, led India's delegation abroad while the Congress government was in power. "Atalji’s actions were guided by a single goal—‘My India is great, my India, my nationalism,’" the Vice President added.

Emphasizing the need for continuous improvement across all sectors, Shri Dhankhar stated that "There is scope for growth in everything. Every day, we see that whatever we do today, we can do better tomorrow." He acknowledged the vital role technology plays in advancing the nation's progress but cautioned against actions that compromise the health of the country and its people. "Destroying the health of India is no less than stabbing a knife in the chest of Mother India, and this will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he declared.

Questioning the growing trend of importing items that can be produced locally, he stated, "Why do we use foreign goods for monetary gains? Will furniture come from abroad in our country? Will bottles come from abroad? Even kites, diyas, candles, and cotton are now coming from abroad."

He highlighted three major disadvantages of this practice: the depletion of foreign exchange, the loss of domestic tax revenues, and the missed opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs who are being deprived of the chance to grow and thrive, and lamented the fact that such reliance on imported goods, driven by short-term economic gains, ultimately harms the nation’s long-term prosperity.

Reflecting on India's incredible journey toward equality and social mobility, Shi Dhankhar celebrated the country's success in empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to rise to the highest positions of leadership.

"How did a tea seller become the Prime Minister of India despite poverty? How did a farmer's son become the Vice President? How did a woman from a tribal background become the President of the country?", he remarked.

Recalling his visit to Jammu and Kashmir as a minister in 1990, he noted the stark difference between then and now. "At that time, I did not see 30 people during my visit, and this year, 2 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir," he remarked, underscoring the region’s significant resurgence as a major tourist destination.

Shri Dhankar also praised the growth and development of India’s agricultural sector, citing the government's initiatives aimed at empowering farmers. "Today, 10 crore farmers receive payments directly, thrice a year".

Shri Praful Patel, Hon’ble Administrator, UT of DNH&DD and Lakshadeep, Smt. DelkarKalabenMohanbhai, Hon’ble MP, DNH and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.