New Delhi || 26-10-2024 “Charity putting freedom of faith in captivity is a cause of concern”. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said this when addressing the students at Adichunchanagiri University in B.G. Nagara, Mandya, Karnataka, on 25 Oct 2024.
When you influence the faith of the needy, the marginalized, the vulnerable, things become really very critical, he added, warning that such actions could have serious consequences on the spirit of nationalism and constitutional values.
Reflecting on India’s civilizational ethos, VP Dhankhar stated, Charity, assistance, or such handholding needs to be with no strings attached. Our civilizational ethos tells us, never speak of charity. Charity is never to be claimed. You do it, and you forget about it.
The Vice-President emphasized that Bharat as a nation can give guidance to everyone and anyone on the planet on what is inclusivity. Surely, we don’t need lessons in something we have lived through for more than 5,000 years, he remarked. This philosophy alone is sustainable and makes for global peace and harmony, but some people have a different concept of inclusivity that is destructive of a sense of inclusivity. We have to be extremely cautious and careful.
Appreciating the Institution’s effort VP Dhankhar said that with 26 Shakha Maths across the world and over 500 educational institutions under the Sri Adichunchanagiri Shikshana Trust—including schools for the Blind, Deaf, and Dumb—this institution’s service to the marginalized is exemplary. Indeed, a befitting response to critics of Sanatan Dharma.
The Vice-President highlighted the role of religious institutions during crisis saying, in the societal sector, the footprint of religious institutions in times of natural calamities and other similar challenges complements governmental efforts. I need not make any other reference. It was demonstrated in full exemplification during COVID. And both the government and such organizations acted hand in hand for the betterment of the people.
The Vice-president cautioned the youth saying there are elements in the country who engage extensively in the dissemination of misinformation, disinformation. This dissemination is very injurious to national health. You as young people have to neutralize these tendencies that do not augur well for our nationalism.
Praising the leadership of the Adichunchanagiri Math, the Vice-President said, it was indeed a far-sighted visionary step to have an institution nestled in the verdant landscapes of foothills, an ideal Aranyak for modern-day learners, philosophers, and seekers, a perfect setting for optimal exploitation of human resource, talent, energy, and for chosen pursuits.
H.D. Devegowda, Former Prime Minister of India; His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji; HH Jagadguru Swami Parmatmananda Saraswati Ji, Dr. M.A. Shekhar, Vice Chancellor of Adichunchanagiri University, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
The Vice President is on two days visit to Karnataka. On second day of his visit he will be the Chief Guest at Parayan viz. “NAMAH SHIVAYA” at Bengaluru.
