At a moving and thought-provoking event celebrating 75 years of the Indian Constitution, Vice-President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed students, faculty, and dignitaries at the University of Delhi with deep conviction and sincerity. He reminded the nation that the spirit of democracy does not reside solely in institutions or elected offices, but in the hearts and actions of each and every citizen. As he presided over the event ‘Kartavyam’, he emphasized that constitutional roles are not ornamental but vital to the democratic fabric of the country.
Speaking with a sense of urgency and patriotic fervor, the Vice-President called upon citizens to reject the notion that democracy is only about governance from the top. Instead, he stressed that each individual—each ‘atom’ of the democratic body—possesses tremendous power, especially during elections. Referring to the soul of democracy as residing in the people, he highlighted how even the most powerful leaders can be held accountable by public will, pointing to India’s history of democratic corrections.
Shri Dhankhar expressed concern over the quality of discourse in the country, urging young citizens to stay alert to manipulation through money, muscle, or foreign interests. “You must discern,” he said, calling for a return to genuine, respectful debate rooted in India’s ancient tradition of vaad-vivaad—free of ego and open to all viewpoints. He warned that arrogance in expression, just like its suppression, is harmful to democracy, and encouraged people to speak truthfully and courageously, especially when it matters most.
Drawing from the Constitution’s Preamble, he reiterated that the power in a democracy belongs to the people, and that elected representatives are not rulers but custodians of that power. He called the Constitution a living document whose relevance is reaffirmed each time a citizen participates responsibly in national life.
In a heartfelt appeal to the youth, the Vice-President urged them to rise above partisanship and focus on the national interest. With India’s rise on the global stage inevitable, he said, it is the responsibility of young minds to ensure that our democratic values grow stronger, not weaker.
His words, filled with clarity and conviction, served as a reminder that a truly vibrant democracy depends not only on institutions, but on the conscience and courage of its citizens. As the event concluded, the message was clear—each individual has a role to play in upholding the Constitution and shaping India’s future with dignity, awareness, and purpose.
