Gurugram, January 12, 2025—Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the Masters’ Union in Gurugram, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping India’s future and advocating for self-belief, questioning norms, and transformative governance.
In his speech, Dhankhar debunked the myth of indispensable human resources, stating, “The idea that things can’t function without you doesn’t hold true. God has already determined the limits of your longevity. So, you can’t be indispensable.” He encouraged students to adopt critical thinking, advising, “No living mortal deserves your respect unless you see virtue in them. Avoid sycophancy and always listen to other perspectives. You may need correction; other viewpoints can enlighten you.”
Highlighting the changing socio-economic landscape, he noted the democratization of business in India. “There was a time when business was confined to dynasties, much like feudal politics. Democracy transformed politics, and now you are democratizing commerce. You don’t need lineage or family capital, just an idea,” Dhankhar remarked.
The Vice President lauded India’s bureaucracy, describing it as a cornerstone for transformation when led by executives focused on facilitation rather than obstruction. He also called on youth to hold parliamentarians accountable to their constitutional responsibilities, inspired by the dedication of the Constituent Assembly. “Debate, dialogue, deliberation, and discussion—not disruption—should define parliamentary discipline,” he urged.
Reflecting on India’s growth over the past decade, Dhankhar highlighted milestones such as banking inclusion for 500 million people, gas connections for 170 million, and toilets for 120 million households. “India has become an example for the world. Expectations are no longer arithmetic but geometric. To meet these, we must think outside the box,” he said.
Dhankhar underscored the ambitious goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, noting that while the country is now the world’s fifth-largest economy, income levels need to rise eightfold to achieve this vision. “You are the engines of growth and the most impactful stakeholders in governance,” he concluded.
The event saw the participation of dignitaries including Ashok Kumar Mittal, Pratham Mittal, Vivek Gambhir, faculty, and students. Dhankhar awarded meritorious students and shared insights aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders.
