Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses a gathering in New Delhi.
Credit: PTI File Photo
New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday invoked Dr BR Ambedkar to say that "our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time" if parties placed creed above country.
Addressing an event to kick-start yearlong celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, he also cautioned that disturbance as a strategy threatened democratic institutions.
It is time to restore the "sanctity of our democratic temples through constructive dialogue, debate and meaningful discussion to serve our people effectively", Dhankhar said.
The Constitution's opening words, "We the People of India", carry deep meaning, establishing citizens as the ultimate authority, with Parliament serving as their voice, the vice president asserted.
"In contemporaneous times, with decorum and discipline cliff hanging in parliamentary discourse", Dhankhar said there was a need to resolve by reiterating the pristine glory of the Constituent Assembly's embellished functioning.
Noting that the Constitution ingeniously established democracy's three pillars -- Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, each with a defined role, the vice president said, "Democracy is best nurtured with its constitutional institutions being in sync, tandem and togetherness, adhering to their jurisdictional areas." In functioning of these organs of the state, domain exclusivity is quintessence to making optimal contributions in steering Bharat toward unprecedented heights of prosperity and equity, he asserted.
"Evolution of a structured interactive mechanism amongst those at the helm of these institutions would bring greater convergence in serving the nation," Dhankhar said.
"Our Constitution assures fundamental rights and ordains fundamental duties. These define informed citizenship, reflecting Dr Ambedkar's caution that internal conflicts, more than external threats, endanger democracy," the vice president noted.
Dhankhar said it was time to fully commit to "our fundamental duties -- protecting national sovereignty, fostering unity, prioritising national interests, and safeguarding our environment".
"We must always put our nation first. We need to be on guard as never before," he said and added that these commitments were crucial for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 -- a nation exemplifying progress and inclusion.
Citing Ambedkar's last address in the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949, Dhankhar said, "What perturbs me greatly is the fact that not only India has once before lost her independence but she lost it by the infidelity and treachery of some of her own people. Will history repeat itself?"
"It is this thought which fills me with anxiety. This anxiety is deepened by the realisation of the fact that, in addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds, we are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place their creed above the country?" he said, citing Ambedkar's address.
"I do not know. But this much is certain that if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against. We must be determined to defend our independence with the last drop of our blood," he further said, citing Ambedkar.
Dhankhar concluded his speech with an appeal to heed the "wise counsel" emanating from the father of the Indian Constitution.
The momentous day marks a historic milestone as the country celebrates 75 years since Bharat adopted its Constitution, a remarkable achievement for the world's largest and most dynamic democracy, the vice president said.
It is constitutional ordainment that Parliament, after shaping legislation, must also ensure legislation trajectory in the right direction, Dhankhar said.
As guardians of democracy, he said, "we bear the sacred duty to honour our citizens' rights, aspirations and ceaselessly pursue their dreams", by making optimal contributions inspired by national welfare and public interest.
"It is for this (reason) that June 25 is now set to be celebrated every year, reminding us of the Emergency -- the darkest period when fundamental rights of citizens were suspended, people were detained without any reason, and civil rights were violated," he said.
He also urged all citizens, particularly members of Parliament, to amplify the nation's resonance on the world stage.
May this honoured chamber resonate with democratic wisdom, maintaining the bond between citizens and their elected representatives, he exhorted.
"As we commemorate the 75th anniversary, let us commit to building a more vital collective consciousness of our Constitution that binds us as people and promotes progressive nation-building ideas while shielding us from the consequences of sectarian perspectives," he said.
Dhankhar also noted that India thrived with remarkable economic growth, robust infrastructure, widespread digital adoption, all getting international recognition and accolades. "These achievements are vindication that our Constitution has effectively anchored Indian democracy." This is an occasion to "reflect on our Constitution's core values and reaffirm our dedication to its guiding principles", he said.
Dhankhar described the Constitution as a "masterpiece" and said it was a tribute to the profound foresight and unwavering dedication of the founding fathers, who, in about three years, "shaped our nation's destiny, exemplifying decorum and dedication, navigating contentious and divisive issues with focus on consensus and understanding".
He recalled that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, affording constitutional assurance of one-third women representation in Parliament and state legislatures, showed the Constitution's adaptability to create a just and equitable society.
"This example, of the many, illustrates how affirmative policies, transparent and accountable governance have helped citizens achieve their aspirations," he noted.
The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949. It came into force on January 26, 1950. The day of its adoption is observed as Samvidhan Divas.