The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released the book "VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy" at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, and said that the subject explored by its authors, former Rajya Sabha Member from Arunachal Pradesh Shri Nabam Rebia and co-author Shri Sandeep Kumar, touches the very core of democratic governance and public life in India.
The Vice President said that the Constitution envisions a society based on justice, equality, liberty and fraternity. He emphasized that the essence of democracy lies in the relationship between citizens and those entrusted with public authority, adding that democracy flourishes when public office is viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
Quoting the great Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, the Vice-President observed that true leadership is characterized by accessibility, compassion and accountability. He stated that leaders who remain approachable and respectful towards the people earn enduring trust and admiration.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said the themes explored in the book resonate with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of public office as a means of service rather than privilege. Referring to the Prime Minister's decision to abolish red beacon lights for dignitaries and his recent gesture of delaying his departure to ensure NEET aspirants were not inconvenienced by traffic restrictions, the Vice-President said such actions exemplify citizen-centric governance and reinforce the principle that public authority exists to serve citizens.
Recalling the Prime Minister's words, he said, "Every Indian is special. Every Indian is a VIP." He added that "Seva is the ultimate Dharma." The Vice-President also appreciated the book's references to the simplicity and public service ethos of former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri and other distinguished personalities.
He noted that the authors have enriched their analysis through references to India's civilisational and intellectual traditions, including the Upanishads, Ramcharitmanas, the teachings of Lord Buddha and the Panchatantra. Calling for a renewed commitment to the values that define the Republic, the Vice-President emphasized equality before the law, dignity of every citizen and public service guided by humility and responsibility.
He stated that the true measure of leadership lies in the trust it earns and the service it renders. Among those present on the occasion were former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Nabam Tuki, former Rajya Sabha Member from Meghalaya Shri W. R. Kharlukhi, author Shri Nabam Rebia and co-author Shri Sandeep Kumar.