North News
New Delhi, January 3
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday expressed concern over the growing skepticism towards Hindu and Sanatan traditions in India, calling such reactions “ironic and painful.” Speaking at the 27th International Congress of Vedanta at Jawaharlal Nehru University, he emphasized the deep philosophical heritage of Bharat and the need to reconnect with it.
“We are one of the oldest civilizations, unique and unparalleled. Yet, references to Sanatan and Hindu evoke baffling reactions,” Dhankhar said. He criticized the dismissive attitudes toward Vedantic texts, attributing them to “perverted colonial mindsets” and a “dangerous ecosystem” that threatens society.
Dhankhar stressed that Vedanta’s timeless wisdom provides ethical and practical solutions to global challenges, from climate change to digital misinformation. He called for bringing Vedantic philosophy from “ivory towers to classrooms” to ensure its accessibility across society. Highlighting Vedanta’s relevance in modern times, he noted its capacity to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges. “Vedanta can catalyze solutions by harmonizing timeless principles with modern complexities,” he remarked.
Dhankhar also underscored the importance of dialogue and debate, lamenting their diminishing role in democratic institutions. “Expression and dialogue are fundamental. Their absence in the theatres of democracy is a travesty,” he said, urging a revival of meaningful discourse. The Vice-President concluded by urging Indians to reconnect with their cultural roots, emphasizing Vedanta’s inclusive values. “Vedanta is not a relic of the past but a blueprint for the future,” he stated.
