The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, conferred the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024 in New Delhi on December 22, recognizing exceptional contributions to agriculture, rural development, and journalism. The event highlighted the enduring legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh, whose life epitomized transparency, accountability, and fearless statesmanship.
In his address, the Vice-President celebrated Chaudhary Charan Singh’s pivotal role in shaping India’s rural and agricultural policies, stating, “Chaudhary Charan Singh was a leader defined by his integrity, farsightedness, and commitment to inclusive growth. His leadership as the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Prime Minister exemplified his dedication to India’s rural landscape.”
Agriculture: The Backbone of Development
Emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in national progress, Shri Dhankhar remarked, “Agriculture is the spine of rural development. A developed India is unattainable without the upliftment of rural areas through agricultural advancements.” He urged governments to prioritize the farming sector, advocating for increased involvement of farming communities in value addition, marketing, and creating self-sufficient rural clusters.
The Vice-President also reflected on India’s economic aspirations: “India is on a remarkable growth trajectory, poised to become the third-largest economy globally. However, achieving developed nation status by 2047 requires a significant economic leap, necessitating transformative measures in the rural economy.”
Democracy, Dialogue, and Accountability
Touching upon democratic values, Shri Dhankhar underlined the importance of expression and dialogue in a thriving democracy. “How democratic a nation is depends on the freedom of expression and constructive dialogue within it. Both must coexist responsibly to ensure the success of democracy.”
He also called for greater accountability among parliamentarians, urging them to uphold their responsibilities with integrity and to inspire trust in the democratic system.
Awards and Honorees
The Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024 celebrated distinguished individuals for their contributions:
- Kalam Ratna Award: Presented to Ms. Neerja Chowdhury for her insightful journalism.
- Sewa Ratna Award: Conferred upon Dr. Rajendra Singh, the “Waterman of India,” for his pioneering work in water conservation.
- Krishak Utthan Award: Awarded to Dr. Firoz Hossain for his innovations in agricultural research.
- Kisan Award: Bestowed upon Mr. Pritam Singh for his exceptional contributions to agricultural excellence.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and other dignitaries also graced the occasion.
Vision for Sustaining the Awards
Concluding his speech, the Vice-President emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the awards. He called on stakeholders from all sectors to contribute to a trust dedicated to the welfare of rural India and its farmers, underscoring the lasting impact of Chaudhary Charan Singh’s visionary leadership.
This event served as a testament to the pivotal role of agriculture and rural development in shaping India’s future, celebrating individuals whose efforts embody these values.
