Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday declared that “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) is no longer a distant dream but a clear target to be achieved by 2047, or sooner, through collective efforts inspired by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Speaking at the International Gita Festival, Dhankhar urged citizens to focus with determination, akin to Arjuna in the Mahabharata, to achieve the vision of a developed India.
Addressing the gathering in Haryana, the vice president emphasized the importance of unity, integrity, and dedication in realizing this vision. Dhankhar attributed India’s unprecedented economic progress, robust institutional frameworks, and enhanced global standing over the past decade to collective efforts and strong leadership. He highlighted India’s status as the world’s fifth-largest economy and expressed optimism about surpassing Germany and Japan in the near future.
Outlining a governance framework inspired by the Gita, Dhankhar introduced a “Panchamrit” model comprising five principles: constructive dialogue, personal integrity, selfless dedication, compassion, and mutual respect. He elaborated on these principles, urging political leaders, public servants, and citizens to adopt them. Constructive dialogue, he said, should prioritize national and social interests over personal gains, while personal integrity and selfless dedication are critical for leaders in public service.
Dhankhar also called for compassion, describing it as the essence of India’s 5,000-year-old culture, and mutual respect to uphold the nation’s diversity. He linked these principles to governance, urging all citizens to contribute to building a developed India by 2047, which he termed a “grand yagna” requiring collective effort.
The vice president also warned against forces attempting to harm India’s progress and institutions, both domestically and internationally. He described such efforts as attempts to “tarnish and diminish” India’s constitutional institutions and growth trajectory, calling for decisive action to neutralize these threats. Drawing from the Gita, Dhankhar emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests above all else.
Highlighting the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which provides free ration to 80 crore people, Dhankhar dismissed criticisms labeling this as an acknowledgment of widespread poverty. Instead, he termed such views as “perverse” and urged critics to understand the Gita’s message of constructive thinking.
The event was attended by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand, among others. The vice president’s speech reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to achieve development while upholding its cultural and constitutional values.
