CAA: In a poignant address at the valedictory ceremony of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav held at the Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of India, underscored the country’s enduring commitment to pluralism and spirituality.
The vice president lauded India’s rich cultural heritage, labeling it as ‘a proud champion of pluralism’ with the principle of Sarv Dharm Samabhav (equal respect for all religions) embedded within its civilizational ethos. He addressed concerns surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), emphasizing that it aims to provide relief to persecuted minorities while safeguarding the rights of existing citizens. He lamented the failure of some to recognize the Act’s humanitarian intent, particularly its impact on persecuted minorities in neighboring countries.
Highlighting India’s global spiritual significance, Shri Dhankhar described the nation as a natural center for spiritual growth, where individuals can explore sublimity, virtuosity, and rectitude. He emphasized the pervasive influence of spirituality on various facets of Indian life, including religion, ethics, philosophy, art, and governance.
Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s seminal address at the Parliament of Religions in 1893, the Vice President stressed the enduring relevance of Vivekananda’s call for harmony and peace in today’s world. He underscored the timeless wisdom embedded in India’s spiritual heritage, citing Mahatma Gandhi’s admonition against human greed and the need for spiritual values to counteract it.
Vice President Dhankhar positioned India as a beacon of hope and enlightenment amidst global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, repression, and intolerance. He called upon humanity to uphold the values of diversity and tolerance, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to foster sustainable development and global peace.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Governor of Telangana Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of Northeastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy, and Culture Minister of Telangana Shri Jupally Krishna Rao, served as a platform for advocating spiritual harmony and pluralism on a global scale.
