New Delhi: The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, emphasized the significance of fostering economic nationalism to propel India’s progress. Questioning the utilization of foreign exchange for non-essential imports, he urged trade, industry, and business to uphold economic nationalism and stressed the need to sensitize every citizen. The Vice-President cautioned against compromising economic nationalism for fiscal gain, stating, “Our economy will experience a quantum leap when we subscribe to this enlightened idea.”
Addressing the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture 2023 on the theme ‘Rise of India as an Economic Powerhouse’ at Akashvani Bhavan in New Delhi, the Vice-President paid tribute to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India. He highlighted Dr. Prasad’s pivotal role in India’s Constituent Assembly and called upon legislators to emulate the behavior of its members for the nation’s progress.
Tracing India’s economic journey from being one of the Fragile Five to becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy, the Vice-President acknowledged the historic achievements that have propelled India onto the global stage. He noted that the entire world now looks to India as a leading voice on global matters.
Acknowledging the global challenge of climate change, the Vice-President called for the optimal utilization of natural resources, emphasizing that fiscal power should not determine resource usage. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he reminded the audience that “The earth has enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.”
Highlighting the role of All India Radio in disseminating critical messages across the country, the Vice-President stressed the significance of the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in elevating the medium of radio. He underscored the radio’s role in neutralizing false narratives and ensuring authentic information reaches citizens.
The event saw the presence of dignitaries including Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Apurva Chandra; CEO of Prasar Bharati, Gaurav Dwivedi; Principal Director General of All India Radio, Dr. Vasudha Gupta.
Click Here -> Text of the Vice-President’s speech delivered at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture 2023