Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing students and faculty at Pondicherry University, delivered a sweeping call to restore India’s ancient educational heritage, temper political discourse, and resist the commercialization of learning. Speaking as the ex-officio Chancellor of the university, Dhankhar invoked the legacy of historic centers of learning like Nalanda, Takshashila, and Mithila, lamenting their destruction during invasions and colonial rule. He described the burning of Nalanda’s nine-story library—Dharamganj—as a civilizational tragedy, claiming that 9 million manuscripts were lost in flames that raged for months. He attributed the devastation to Bakhtiyar Khilji’s 12th-century invasion and later British colonialism, asserting that while the physical structures were destroyed, the soul of Bharat remained indestructible.
Dhankhar urged a national mindset shift, warning against the rising political temperature and the tendency to reject ideas based on their origin rather than merit. He criticized the erosion of Vedic principles like Anantavad, which embrace multiplicity of thought, and called for dialogue over disruption. “Why should we melt the glaciers of our patience?” he asked, urging political leaders to moderate rhetoric and prioritize national development over confrontation.
He also expressed concern over the commodification of education, contrasting it with India’s traditional Gurukul system, which emphasized service and character-building. Dhankhar appealed to corporate leaders to redirect CSR funds toward creating globally eminent educational institutions, distancing education from profit motives. He emphasized that education and health were once philanthropic endeavors, not commercial enterprises, and called for a return to that ethos.
Highlighting the role of alumni in building institutional strength, Dhankhar encouraged graduates to contribute to university endowment funds, citing global examples where such funds exceed $50 billion. He stressed that even small contributions could yield exponential impact over time, likening it to Neil Armstrong’s moon landing—“a small step by him, a giant leap for humanity.”
Dhankhar also celebrated India’s linguistic diversity, naming 11 classical languages including Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, and emphasized that language should be a symbol of inclusivity, not division. He called on citizens to reflect on the nation’s accomplishments and future, urging unity in purpose and pride in India’s civilizational values.
The event was attended by Puducherry’s Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker Embalam Selvam, Members of Parliament S. Selvaganapathy and V. Vaithilingam, and other dignitaries. The Vice President’s remarks underscored a broader vision of India’s resurgence rooted in cultural pride, educational reform, and political maturity.
