The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, recently called upon law students at the National Law University, Jodhpur, to actively counteract narratives that are detrimental to the progress of the nation. He emphasized the importance of not remaining passive when individuals speak against the country while abroad.
Dhankhar urged the students to neutralize these anti-Bharat narratives, as allowing people to shame the nation without reason is unacceptable. He emphasized that the progress of the nation should never be hindered, and it is crucial for the most esteemed intellectual category, such as law students, to speak out against such narratives.
Referring to opposition leaders, the Vice President expressed his concern about their tendency to criticize and belittle Indian institutions while abroad. He urged the students not to be silent spectators and to voice their support or concerns when necessary. He warned that their silence would haunt them in the future, questioning why they remained silent during such moments.
During an interactive session at NLU Jodhpur on September 27, the Vice President emphasized that in a society governed by democratic principles and the rule of law, no one should be above the law. He objected to individuals protesting against notices received from central law enforcement agencies, stating that everyone is accountable to the law. He criticized the illegal and unacceptable practice of taking to the streets in response to such notices, instead of utilizing the robust judicial system available to address any concerns.
He stated that the independent judiciary of India is highly regarded by developed nations, and therefore, it is imperative to refrain from engaging in protests by assuming oneself to be above the law. In this regard, he highlighted the disruptions that have occurred in parliament.
"It is not reasonable to expect our parliamentarians to engage in disturbances or disruptions...I urge all of you to adopt a method of working that is respectful of differing viewpoints. You may not agree, you may strongly disagree, or you may reject an idea altogether, but being closed to new ideas is not a rational approach. This goes against the fundamental principles of intellect and is contrary to the democratic values that we all hold dear."
The Vice-President of India also expressed his appreciation for the recent passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament.
"When this momentous, historic, and game-changing bill, for which we have been waiting for years, was being debated in the Rajya Sabha on September 21st, Prime Minister Narendra Modi scored the winning goal. At that time, 17 women parliamentarians were occupying the chair that I currently hold as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha."
He encouraged students to read the new criminal law bills and submit their recommendations to the committee responsible for their enactment.
TAGS: VICE PRESIDENT NLU JODHPUR JAGDEEP DHANKAR
