Vice President Dhankhar’s Call to Action: A Strong Stance on Violence Against Women and Gender Inequality
In a powerful address at Bharati College, University of Delhi, Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced his deep concern over the trivialization of violence against women, condemning it as a grave injustice to humanity. He strongly criticized the labeling of such violence as a “symptomatic malaise,” a term he found both shocking and deeply distressing, especially when used by someone in a high position within the Supreme Court Bar and Parliament.
Shri Dhankhar emphasized that downplaying the suffering of women for partisan interests is unacceptable and injurious to the fabric of society. He echoed the President’s call for a national outcry, stating, “Enough is enough!” and urged every citizen to join in rejecting any tolerance for violence against women. He underscored that a society where women and girls live in fear cannot be considered civilized, and such fear is a significant obstacle to national progress.
Highlighting the urgent need for financial independence among women, the Vice President encouraged all girls to become financially self-reliant. He pointed out that women are vital to the nation’s development, playing crucial roles in rural, agricultural, and informal economies. However, he also noted the persistence of gender-based disparities in pay and opportunities, calling for the elimination of these inequities.
The Vice President also discussed the importance of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a long-overdue measure of justice for women. He urged that the implementation of UCC, a constitutional directive, would significantly benefit women and promote gender equality.
Further, Shri Dhankhar commended the strides made in increasing women’s representation in governance, particularly with the proposal for one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. He asserted that such a measure would revolutionize policymaking and ensure that capable individuals occupy decision-making positions.
Expressing concern over the youth’s excessive focus on government jobs, the Vice President criticized the commercialization of coaching and encouraged young people to explore the vast opportunities available in various sectors. He called for a shift in mindset, urging the youth to break away from traditional aspirations and seize the numerous opportunities in the evolving job market.
Shri Dhankhar also addressed the broader issue of national interest, warning against anti-national narratives that undermine the country’s progress. He called on all citizens to prioritize national interest over partisan concerns, emphasizing unity in the face of challenges.
In his concluding remarks, the Vice President turned his attention to the existential threat of climate change, urging immediate action to protect the planet. He supported the Prime Minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, encouraging citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers and grandmothers, and emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi, and other distinguished faculty members of Bharati College. The Vice President’s address resonated with the audience, leaving a strong message of justice, equality, and the urgent need for societal change.
