Some seek to disrupt organic societal stability by offering allurements to effect conversions, cautions the Vice-President

The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today raised concerns that “the wholesome thought processes of inclusivity for which our gurus and national heroes stood are being by some who seek to disrupt organic societal stability by offering allurements to effect conversions.” “Nothing can be more serious than that these misadventures emanate from an evolved strategy to upset organic demographic equilibrium,” he underlined.

In his address at the 11^th Convocation Ceremony of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh today, the Vice-President noted that such activities “wrongly tamper the valuable right of freedom which we enjoy”. He further added that “we need to rebuff, resist, neutralize these nefarious designs as these have a pernicious potential to emerge as existential challenge to our inclusiveness and civilizational wealth.”

The Vice-President emphasised that “there is no place for Naxalism in a country witnessing unprecedented development.” Lauding the enabling steps being taken in the country and in the state of Chhattisgarh to counter Naxalism, he also observed that developmental activities were centric to the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. “When such is the policy in action, when such are the results on ground, there can be no space for Naxalism,” he said. Shri Dhankhar noted that implementing the “Three Cs, Road Connectivity, Mobile Connectivity, and Financial Connectivity” in Chattisgarh is transforming lives and creating new pathways to progress.

Commending the State of Chhattisgarh, the Vice-President remarked, “Chhattisgarh is a great state and its transformation from a developing state to a hub of opportunities showcases the power of focused development and determined leadership. Education is at the heart of this transformation. I am proud that youth of Chhattisgarh, whether they are from cities, or remote tribal belt of the state can now benefit from institutes of eminence in every walk of life.”

In reference to the rich mineral wealth of Chhattisgarh, the Vice-President stressed, “some concerted efforts will be required to convert mineral wealth to highest levels of collective prosperity. It would be travesty if this wealth benefits only a handful, leaving out the vast majority of this state’s citizens. Efficient management and allocation of collective wealth would require our utmost attention.”

Elaborating on the role of industry in this context, he said, “There should be prosperity emanating from the actions of Corporates, Public Sector Undertakings that benefit from mineral wealth. Tribal welfare must be integrated as an important component of their functioning.”

The Vice-President highlighted that the foundation of India’s growth lies in inclusiveness. Drawing attention to governance policies for social and economic welfare, he said that “development has reached the last mile in a country of 1.4 billion.” He also underscored that all these benefits were non-discriminatory and that every segment of the populace was benefiting from the same.

His visit coinciding with Army Day, Shri Dhankhar also reflected on the importance of honouring the unwavering courage and sacrifices of the armed forces. He further added, “Their dedication and resilience remind us of the truer sense of patriotism and selfless service and our veterans are our precious, priceless human resource.”

The Vice-President emphasized, “Good governance is fueling newer ambitions. Your generation is now imbued with one attitude and that is, Can Do. You don’t have to think a second time. Can do attitude, should be your attitude because there is affirmative governance, hand-holding policies that will overcome all hurdles that used to be there earlier to fructify an idea that may occur to you.”

The Vice-President also paid his respects to Guru Ghasidas and acknowledged the University’s role in immortalizing his legacy. He stressed, “Guru Ghasidas embodied the spirit of unity, inclusivity and equality among all. He is a true national icon in our rich cultural tradition.”

Shri Ramen Deka, Governor, Chattisgarh, Shri Tokhan Sahu Ji, Hon’ble Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister, Chattisgarh, Shri Arun Sao, Deputy Chief Minister, Chattisgarh, Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.