Economic Triumph Over the Last Ten Years
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar celebrated India’s remarkable economic ascent under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring it “the fastest‑growing global economy in the last decade.” He highlighted sustained ~8% annual growth, positioning India as the world’s fifth‑largest economy and rapidly progressing toward a $4 trillion GDP status. Dhankhar credited this surge to “phenomenal infrastructure growth” and “people‑centric policies and transparent governance” that have transformed India’s economic landscape.
Infrastructure Boom & Technological Leap
Drawing attention to visible signs of progress, Dhankhar pointed to sweeping digital and physical infrastructure upgrades, from airports and metros to the explosion of 6.5 billion monthly digital transactions. These achievements, he said, made India a global model for financial inclusion and digital payments, with praise pouring in from international institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
A Global Leader with a Domestic Boost
Quoting that India is now “no longer labelled as a nation of snake charmers” but is instead “charming the entire world”, Dhankhar emphasized the global recognition of India’s rise and its attractiveness to investors. Highlighting India’s transformation from the “Fragile Five” to the fifth-largest economy, he said international financial bodies commend the swift pace of inclusion and investment.
The Youth: India’s Driving Force
A recurring thread in Dhankhar’s addresses is the role of youth in nation-building. He urged young Indians to uphold democratic values, particularly vigilance against anti‑national elements. Addressing NCC cadets, he emphasized that “nationalism has to override all interests” and that safeguarding democracy is paramount. He also described youth as India’s “fuel to the growth engine,” essential to achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
Dhankhar underscored the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and skill development, urging youth to embrace AI, green hydrogen, and space technology. He spoke of a ₹60,000 crore central internship fund, aiming to empower 500,000 youths over five years. These initiatives, he said, place youth at the heart of India’s transformational journey.
Democracy as the Foundation
Dhankhar issued a strong warning regarding rising political polarization and disruptions in Parliament, deeming them an “enormity” that threatens both public institutions and democratic norms. He called on both youth and elected officials to uphold discipline, dialogue, and respect for constitutional duties, recalling the Constituent Assembly’s commitment to deliberation without disruption.
Blaming “anti‑national narratives” for resurfacing, Dhankhar stressed the need for social discipline to preserve the ethos of democracy. He emphasized that Parliament must serve as a “citadel of dialogue” and that democratic survival depends on restoring constructive debate.
Women, Bureaucracy & Inclusive Growth
Dhankhar also highlighted the empowerment of women and the effectiveness of self-help groups, especially in regions like Meghalaya, where coordinated efforts have boosted GDP and increased female-led entrepreneurship.
He lauded India’s bureaucracy as a pivotal force capable of translating ideas into action, stressing that merit and vision, not lineage or capital, should determine success. He compared PM Modi’s leadership to Kautilya’s philosophy of “massive transformation,” reflecting inclusive governance and strategic thinking.
Balancing Achievements with Awareness
While Dhankhar praised India’s rise, he reminded citizens that rapid progress also brings rising expectations: citizens now demand more than just access, they expect better quality, inclusivity, and accountability. He cautioned that meeting these rising expectations requires fresh ideas, innovation, and youth engagement.
Conclusion: Charting the Next Phase
VP Dhankhar painted a vivid picture of a nation energized by growth, unity, and digital innovation. Yet he underscored that sustaining this momentum hinges on youth-driven stewardship of democratic values, disciplined discourse, and a commitment to inclusive development.
Call to Action for Youth
Highlighting youth as the linchpin of India’s future, Dhankhar charged them to champion democracy, embrace responsibility, and lead the next wave of growth and innovation. In his vision, the empowerment of youth and their guardianship of democratic principles are essential to fulfilling India’s promise as a global powerhouse.
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