New Delhi, May 27, 2025 — In a heartfelt and thought-provoking interaction with the seventh batch of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a deeply inspirational message, blending warmth, wisdom, and national pride. Addressing a room full of bright young minds, he encouraged them to see this opportunity not just as a learning experience, but as a lifelong connection with democratic values and public service.
Right from the beginning, the Vice-President struck a personal note, urging interns to form meaningful bonds with each other, hinting at the enduring nature of such friendships. Recognising the presence of Shri P.C. Mody, Secretary General of Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President spoke with admiration of his long and impactful service, emphasising the importance of continuity and experience in governance.
Throughout his address, the Vice-President placed youth at the heart of India’s democratic journey, hailing them as the most vital stakeholders in governance. “Our youth demographic is the envy of the world,” he said, noting how India’s median age of 28 positions it uniquely for growth and global leadership. He encouraged the interns to seize this moment of transformation with active participation, reminding them that they are living in a time brimming with “hope and possibility”—a stark contrast to the limited opportunities of previous generations.
He highlighted the global recognition India is receiving from institutions like the IMF and World Bank, praising the nation’s remarkable strides in digitisation and people-centric governance. In this context, he emphasized the importance of national pride and unity, saying, “We are Indians. We belong to the largest, oldest, and most functioning democracy on the planet.”
A touching moment in the speech came when he welcomed Dr. M. L. Raja, the newly appointed occupant of the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Chair. With gentle humour, the Vice-President drew parallels between Dr. Raja and himself, acknowledging the strength of the women in their lives. He praised Dr. Raja’s rare blend of medical expertise and passion for history, archaeology, and literature, calling his appointment a true blessing for the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
In recalling Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s legacy, the Vice-President reminded the audience that respect for teachers and learning must remain foundational values. The symbolic importance of Teacher’s Day, celebrated on Dr. Radhakrishnan’s birthday, was deeply underscored with a poignant Sanskrit couplet honouring the role of teachers in society.
He spoke with great pride about the new Parliament building—constructed in record time during the pandemic—and described how the internship programme would help youth gain firsthand exposure to India’s legislative processes and cultural richness. The interns were reminded that Parliament is not just a law-making body but a sacred space for debate, discussion, and accountability, embodying the collective will of 1.4 billion citizens.
In a reflective moment, the Vice-President stressed the enduring relevance of the Indian Constitution. He highlighted how the framers of the Constitution overcame immense challenges through consensus and mutual respect, urging students to adopt the same approach in life. Quoting Heraclitus, he reminded everyone that “change is the only constant” and that self-learning is crucial in today’s world.
A moving part of his speech focused on the Fundamental Rights and Duties enshrined in the Constitution. With great emphasis, he spoke about the need to balance rights with responsibilities. “Claiming rights 24×7 while ignoring duties,” he warned, “fails the spirit of citizenship.” He reminded the interns of the special privilege Indians enjoy—being able to approach the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of rights—and stressed the importance of staying within constitutional boundaries.
The Vice-President also issued a passionate call for political unity on matters of national security and growth. Referring to India’s firm response to recent terrorist threats, he described it as a historic turning point. “For the first time, Bharat has demonstrated to the world that terrorism will not be tolerated,” he said, applauding the targeted operations that upheld the nation’s values of peace and justice.
Toward the end of his address, he offered five guiding principles rooted in India’s civilisational ethos: social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental consciousness, economic nationalism, and respect for duty. In particular, he advocated for the Swadeshi movement, urging people to support local products and reduce reliance on imports. “Economic nationalism,” he said, “is not just a policy—it is a people’s movement.”
In these final words, the Vice-President brought the interaction full circle—offering the young interns not only insights into Parliament and governance, but also a deep emotional connection to their duties as citizens of a rising, compassionate, and resilient India. His message resonated with optimism and responsibility, leaving a lasting impression on the future torchbearers of the nation.
