Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 1: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday emphasized India's ongoing economic surge, attributing it to infrastructure expansion, deep digital integration, and technological advancements. Speaking at the 75th anniversary celebration of KPB Hinduja College of Commerce, he highlighted how people-centric policies over the past decade have transformed India into the most aspirational nation in the world.
“India is experiencing an economic upsurge because people have tasted the fruits of development. Today, the country is the envy of the world for its Demographic Dividend,” Dhankhar stated.
Urging corporate leaders to prioritize education, the Vice President said that investment in education should go beyond philanthropy, viewing it as a strategic investment in the nation's future. “Quality education is a gift. Industry leaders must prioritize it, as it drives business, trade, and industrial growth,” he remarked.
He warned against the commodification of education and healthcare, stressing that “these sectors should not fall victim to commercialization”. He further noted that education is a shared responsibility of the government and private sector, and called upon industry stakeholders to actively contribute to educational excellence.
Reflecting on India’s historic educational institutions, Dhankhar lamented the destruction of Nalanda and other ancient centers of learning. “Nalanda was once the intellectual jewel of India, housing 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers in a nine-story structure. However, in 1193, Bakhtiyar Khilji’s reckless destruction erased centuries of knowledge,” he said.
He urged Parliamentarians and intellectuals to reclaim India’s lost heritage and work towards the revival of institutions like Nalanda. “This is crucial for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. We cannot allow hostile narratives to undermine India’s existence,” he asserted.
In a significant announcement, Dhankhar revealed that the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), under his leadership, will soon sign an MoU with KPB Hinduja College. “This partnership will expose students to global events and bring international leaders to their campus,” he said, adding that the agreement will be formalized within the next two months.
He also proposed the formation of a national confederation of alumni associations, arguing that such a platform could serve as a valuable advisory body for government policymaking. “The collective wisdom of alumni networks can enlighten the government on policy directions and drive India’s development agenda,” he noted.
Encouraging students to embrace continuous learning, Dhankhar concluded with a powerful message, stating, “You are your best teachers. Keep learning, keep questioning, and contribute to building a stronger India.”