The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today cautioned, “If Parliament does not remain a center of dialogue, debate, and discussion if issues of the people are not addressed then Parliament will slide into irrelevance.
Such a decline would pose a serious threat to our democratic values, which must be nurtured carefully.” He appealed to all political parties, emphasizing the significance of entering the last quarter of a century since the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
Addressing the Indian Forest Service (IFS) probationers at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi today, Shri Dhankhar cautioned against viewing developmental or environmental issues through a political prism.
“If we start looking through a political prism at issues of national security or development, we are not true to our oath of the Constitution. It requires all of us to have a steadfast commitment to nationalism.
We have to keep national interest always first,” he emphasized. Highlighting the importance of balancing development with sustainability, the Vice-President said, “Whenever development takes place and there is out of necessity or compulsion for development requirements, the part of the forest land has to be converted.
There has to be compensatory afforestation. But that compensatory afforestation must be authentic must be genuine, and that is what you have to ensure.” Referring to India’s progress, the Vice-President remarked, “We are in Amrit Kaal and on our way to becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The entire nation is galvanized to achieve this monumental goal. The challenge is daunting but reachable. Currently, we are the 5th largest global economy, on track to becoming the 3rd ahead of Japan and Germany.
To accomplish this, we must increase our income eightfold. Every parliamentarian must play with a straight bat, focus on people’s aspirations, and work on the front foot to realize the dreams of the nation.”
Emphasizing forest officers’ pivotal role in environmental conservation, sustainable development, and biodiversity protection, Shri Dhankhar said, “Those who are connected to forests, our tribal people in particular, are extremely committed to nature and their traditions,” the Vice-President remarked, urging the probationers to have empathy for these communities.
“In your job, always have empathy for them,” he added. He called on the officers to deeply engage with their responsibilities to gain wisdom about the importance of forests and their role in climate resilience and sustainable development.
Recognizing the Indian Forest Service as one of the three All India Services, he encouraged the probationers to focus on India’s civilizational roots, adding, “In our ethos, in our Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads, you would find that we have worshipped nature.
We have had a real relationship with wildlife.” The Vice-President also stressed the role of IFS officers as ambassadors of tourism. “You are natural, organic ambassadors of tourism in this country. People flock to places that are your domain.
You can do wonders to make it more informative,” he said. Referring to India’s abundant natural wealth, he remarked, “Nature has gifted India bountifully in all parts of the country. But there is a lack of awareness.
Your efforts can make a significant difference in showcasing our rich wildlife, flora, and fauna.” Highlighting the broader perspective of ecological balance, Shri Dhankhar said, “The Almighty has created this planet not exclusively for mankind but for all living beings.
It is, therefore, our responsibility to act in a manner that cares for all forms of life with empathy and care.” The Vice-President praised India’s success in tiger conservation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“To the posterity, we are obligated to ensure there is no extinction of the species of living beings. The recent steps taken under the vigilant leadership of the Prime Minister about tigers are well-known, and we are making good headway in that direction,” he noted.
Concluding his address, Shri Dhankhar reflected on India’s vision for 2047 and its journey towards becoming a developed nation. “We are on our way to becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047. The challenge is daunting but reachable.
While we are the 5th largest global economy on the way to becoming the 3rd ahead of Japan and Germany, we need to increase our income eightfold to realize this vision. It requires unwavering commitment to national interest and sustainable development,” he said.
Shri Pramod Chandra Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Secretary to the Vice-President of India, Shri Rajit Punhani, Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Shri Jitendra Kumar, Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Shri Jagmohan Sharma, Director, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.