During his visit to Kota, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar engaged in a dialogue with students preparing for competitive exams at various institutions in the city. In this interaction, he encouraged students to focus on their studies and understand the contributions of unsung heroes of India’s independence struggle.
While discussing the importance of dialogue in a democracy, Vice President Dhankhar said, “A new issue has arisen, the ‘One Nation, One Election.’ Some argue that we should not even discuss it! Well, discussing it or not is your discretion; it’s your wisdom.” He further emphasized, “In a democracy, if there is no discussion, then where is democracy? Discussion and debate are essential for democratic values.”
Addressing the issue of governments distributing freebies, Vice President Dhankhar stated that there should be a greater focus on capital expenditure to build sustainable infrastructure rather than indulging in unsustainable populist measures. He said, “Instead of governments burdening themselves with free giveaways, our focus should be on increasing capital expenditure so that we can build lasting infrastructure. If a government burdens people’s wallets, the short-term benefits will be overshadowed by long-term losses.”
Responding to a student’s question about the importance of studying Indian history, the Vice President stressed that every student should study history, regardless of their chosen field of study. He mentioned that learning about the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters is crucial. Dhankhar added that during the Amrit period, people had the opportunity to learn about many unknown freedom fighters.
Answering another question, he emphasized the need to improve the quality of primary education as it forms the foundation for a child’s development. He noted that there are government schools with good infrastructure and qualified teachers, yet people prefer sending their children to small private schools with no playgrounds, which often leads to financial exploitation. He urged all stakeholders, including the government, society, NGOs, and ordinary citizens, to focus on improving government schools.
Vice President Dhankhar advised students to take pride in being Indian, celebrate India’s achievements, and always prioritise the nation’s interests. He encouraged them not to fear failure, as fear of failure is the worst ailment. He cited examples of individuals like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, who dropped out of college but were driven by a passion for their work and innovation.
Highlighting India’s progress, Vice President Dhankhar mentioned that digital technology, direct benefit transfers (DBT), and transparency have helped eliminate corruption and middlemen from the power corridors. He called on the youth to maintain zero tolerance for corruption and uphold both the fundamental rights and fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution.
During this occasion, students and teachers from various coaching institutions in Kota were present. Vice President Dhankhar also met with former students of Sainik School Chittorgarh.
This interaction with students and educators in Kota reflects the Vice President’s commitment to engaging with the youth and promoting education and democratic values.