Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 19: In a spirited address to the 2024 batch of Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) officer trainees, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday reaffirmed India’s sovereign authority in global affairs while invoking the nation's deep-rooted civilisational values.

Speaking from the Vice-President’s Enclave, Dhankhar made an indirect but clear statement against external influence in India’s internal decisions. “Don’t be guided by narratives outside. All decisions in this country as a sovereign nation are taken by its leadership,” he declared — a remark seemingly aimed at political factions referencing former US President Donald Trump’s alleged role in brokering peace during past India-Pakistan tensions.

Citing the recently concluded ‘Operation Sindoor’ — India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack — the Vice President clarified that the mission was “brought to a temporary conclusion” after sending a strong message to terror elements based in Bahawalpur and Muridke.

“Some wonder why we halted the operation. But this is a country of peace, the land of Buddha, Mahavira, and Gandhi. Our culture teaches strength with restraint,” he noted.

His wide-ranging speech touched on governance, civil service responsibility, cultural pride, and youth empowerment. Emphasising India’s independent global posture, Dhankhar remarked, “There is no power on the planet that can dictate how India handles its affairs,” alluding to Western criticism of India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and continued oil imports from Moscow.

He lauded India’s transformation over the last decade — from rural development and digital revolution to railway modernisation. “There was a time we couldn't imagine a toilet in every home, a gas cylinder in every kitchen, or internet in every village,” he said. “Now, Viksit Bharat is not a slogan. It’s a lived experience.”

The Vice President also critiqued the growing commercialisation of education, taking aim at flashy coaching centre ads. “This isn’t the Bharat we strive for. Education should reflect the spirit of the Gurukul, not become a commodity,” he urged.

Praising India’s youth as the nation’s greatest asset, Dhankhar called upon the officer trainees to uphold India’s civilisational ethos while championing sustainable, inclusive growth.

“Our demographic dividend is a global envy,” he concluded. “Let us channel it with vision, rooted in our past and reaching for a future that belongs to Bharat.”