In an indirect attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in the US, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Friday, said certain individuals who, despite taking an oath to uphold the Constitution, are causing distress to the nation and compromising nationalism.

Dhankhar called it “despicable, condemnable, reprehensible anti-national conduct”. “Under no circumstances can we promote the interests of our enemies,” he said.

The vice-president’s apparent dig at the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha came in the wake of BJP’s attack on him over his meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the US, saying that “the US lawmaker is known for her anti-India statements”.

Rahul Gandhi came under massive heat after he made remarks on the BJP, Sikh community, and reservations while addressing the Indian Diaspora in the US.

Addressing a gathering at the Central University of Rajasthan in Ajmer, Dhankhar said, “The world laughs at us when a person in a Constitutional position engages in behaviour abroad that disregards their oath to the Constitution, neglects national interest, and undermines the dignity of our institutions.”

The vice-president asked, “Can we even imagine undertaking actions that do not align with appropriate conduct for our nation, actions that do not promote our nationalism?”

He emphasised the need to focus on fulfilling national aspirations rather than working towards the ambitions of our adversaries, adding, “History has never forgiven those who acted against the interests of their country.”

Reminding citizens that every Indian stepping beyond the country’s borders is an ambassador for our culture and nationalism, the Vice-President cited the exemplary leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. He noted that “Shri Vajpayee, the Leader of Opposition under the-then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, had effectively represented India’s interests on sensitive international issues on global platforms”.

“My duty in this position is not to engage in politics. Political parties should carry out their own work. Ideologies will differ, views will differ, and attitudes toward governance will vary. But one thing must remain constant: the nation is supreme. We cannot suppress national sentiment. When the nation faces challenges, we stand united. Regardless of our colour, religion, caste, culture, or education, we are united, and we are one”, the Vice-President underlined.

He further appealed to citizens to focus on Fundamental Duties and abide by the Constitution, respect to its ideals and institutions.

Highlighting the significance of the new National Education Policy (NEP) introduced after three decades, Dhankhar urged the states that have not adopted the NEP to do so.

He emphasised that the NEP is not associated with any political party but is a national initiative that serves as a significant game changer for the country.

“The evolution of the National Education Policy has taken place after getting inputs from stakeholders, running into thousands. It is distancing from degree education; it is making education relevant to boys and girls, aligned with their aptitude and attitude. It is a big change,” he elaborated.

Underscoring the transformative power of education as a tool for societal change, Dhakhar highlighted that education extends beyond mere textbooks, serving as a catalyst for equality and a tool to combat social disparities.

“Education is what brings about equality; it strikes at the roots of inequality. It is education that is changing today’s social landscape,” he remarked, drawing attention to the profound impact of quality education on individuals and society at large.

He further noted that esteemed leaders, including the President and Prime Minister, come from backgrounds that do not reflect privilege, but rather from segments of society that once never envisioned reaching such heights.

Prof. Anand Bhalerao, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Rajasthan, Prof. Alpana Kateja, Vice-Chancellor, University of Rajasthan, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.