Vice-President Dhankhar Urges IDES Trainees to Embrace Sovereignty and Development

During a recent address at the Vice-President's Enclave, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar spoke to the officer trainees of the 2024 Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) batch. He stressed that all decisions in India, as a sovereign nation, are determined by its own leaders and that outside narratives should not influence internal affairs. Dhankhar affirmed that there is no external force capable of dictating India's domestic policies, and while India fosters global relationships through mutual respect and dialogue, it remains firmly in control of its own sovereignty.

Dhankhar also pointed out that India's youthful demographic is an asset to the nation, with a significant portion of the population under 35 years old. He encouraged the trainees, as future leaders, to serve India and utilize their unique historical, cultural, and civilizational heritage to manage the vast estates effectively. He underscored the importance of focusing on sustainability, environmental conservation, and the integration of modern technology in their work.

Addressing potential challenges, Dhankhar metaphorically related dealing with adversity in cricket, explaining that just as a skilled cricket player avoids bad pitches, leaders should strive to rise above negativity. He remarked upon disturbing global events that have caused devastation and urged the trainees to embody the principles of peace while addressing issues of conflict, reinforcing the nation's dedication to nonviolence and humane governance.

Furthermore, Dhankhar highlighted the need for streamlined protocols in civilian development to avoid unnecessary delays associated with bureaucratic discretion. He expressed hope that the trainees could take the initiative to create a transparent system that would enhance efficiency and goodwill within the communities they serve.

He also shared his concerns about the proliferation of coaching centers, arguing that while skill development is essential, coaching should not overshadow the educational ethos of the country. Dhankhar emphasized that education should focus on developing critical thinking rather than rote memorization and encouraged a shift towards traditional learning methods, reminiscent of the Gurukul system.

In discussing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), Dhankhar stressed that the goal is not merely economic growth but the overall development of the citizenry. He recognized that India has made significant strides in improving living standards but emphasized the challenge of continuing this progress to meet the aspirations of an increasingly ambitious populace. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Defence Secretary of India.