Jagdeep Dhankhar NEW DELHI: Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday delivered his first public speech since stepping down from office. Addressing a gathering in Bhopal, he highlighted the importance of fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities, even in the face of personal constraints citing his recent past as proof.Speaking at the launch of Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa, a book by RSS joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya, Dhankhar remarked, “In today’s time, people are drifting away from morality and spirituality. ‘Main flight pakadne ki chinta se apne kartavya ko nahin chhod sakta’. My recent past is proof of it…”Dhankhar also warned against getting caught in a narrative, saying that once you’re stuck, it becomes very difficult to get out, adding that “I am not giving my example.”“‘Bhagwan kare ki koi narrative ke chakkar mein na fas jaye, iss chakravyuh mein koi fass gaya toh nikalna bada mushkil hain (God forbid that anyone gets caught up in a narrative; if someone gets trapped in this labyrinth, it becomes very difficult to get out)’. I am not giving my example,” he said.Dhankhar resigned abruptly on July 21, citing health reasons, and had remained out of public view except for a quiet appearance at the swearing-in of his successor CP Radhakrishnan on September 12. His absence from public life had fuelled questions from the Opposition, which repeatedly argued he deserved a formal farewell like his predecessors. The Congress had also suggested that his silence since July was unusual. Jairam Ramesh said Dhankhar had been “totally silent – unseen and unheard” for 100 days and claimed his resignation appeared “forced”, even though Dhankhar had consistently praised the prime minister.Friday’s event was also notable for the absence of government representatives. No one from the Mohan Yadav administration or the state BJP arrived at the airport to receive him, prompting sharp criticism from former chief minister Digvijaya Singh. He accused the ruling party of disregarding protocol, saying the BJP values only those who are “useful” to it and describing its approach as “use and throw”. He added that he would not extend that criticism to the RSS, given Dhankhar had come at the Sangh’s invitation.Organisers said the former vice-president had been scheduled as the keynote speaker for some time, marking his first major engagement since leaving office. Dhankhar, who took charge in August 2022 and was due to serve until 2027, had an eventful tenure that included frequent clashes with the Opposition and an unprecedented impeachment motion that was later dismissed.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmit Shah Says BSF Crushed 118 Pak Posts, He Issues Tough Security Message From Sindoor Van In KutchEx-CIA Reveals Savage Reply To Imran Khan’s PTI After Apology Demand Over His India-Pak War Analysis’All 140 MLAs Are Mine’: DK Shivakumar Amid Karnataka CM Speculation; Siddaramaiah RespondsKabul Turns To India As New Trade Partner Amid Pak Blockades And Push For Fresh Regional CorridorsTejas Crashes In Dubai Air Show Display As Massive Fireball Sparks Panic, Pilot Succumbs To InjuriesDeadly 5.5 Earthquake Rocks Bangladesh, Killing At Least Six, Triggers Widespread Panic Across DhakaIndia Demands End To Veto Manipulation And Calls For Comprehensive Reform Of The UN Security CouncilOperation Sindoor 2.0 Talk Rises As Expert Says India Must Hit Pak But Fix White Collar Terror TooIn Fiery UK Conclave Speech, Suhel Seth Says India Has Evolved Beyond 1947, Now Shapes Global PowerShashi Tharoor Says The UN Cannot Be Abandoned Despite Gaza And Ukraine At Desmond Tutu Lecture123PhotostoriesHow to make Zero-Oil Soya Biryani at homeFrom FOMO to Slaps: New age Gen Z terms parents should know7 Ocean-inspired baby names that sound calm and sereneBaby girl names inspired by Bible characters perfect for gen alpha babiesWorld Television Day: 10 remarkable facts about theidiotbox5 high-fiber foods to combine with broccoli and easy dishes10 effective ways to keep pollution out of your home!From ‘120 Bahadur’ to ‘The Family Man 3’: Movies and OTT releases to watch this weekendHow Bollywood mothers turned tender love into unshakeable strength on screenMumbai Infrastructure Boost: LBS Marg-BKC Flyover Connector Nears Early Completion, Promises Seamless Traffic Flow123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBest Rockstar Games to Play for GTA 6Savannah JamesWayne GretzkysTrevon DiggsDelhi School Suicide CaseKolkata EarthquakeCandace OwensGavin BrindleySophie CunninghamMLB Trade Rumors
NEW DELHI: Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday delivered his first public speech since stepping down from office. Addressing a gathering in Bhopal, he highlighted the importance of fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities, even in the face of personal constraints citing his recent past as proof.Speaking at the launch of Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa, a book by RSS joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya, Dhankhar remarked, “In today’s time, people are drifting away from morality and spirituality. ‘Main flight pakadne ki chinta se apne kartavya ko nahin chhod sakta’. My recent past is proof of it…”Dhankhar also warned against getting caught in a narrative, saying that once you’re stuck, it becomes very difficult to get out, adding that “I am not giving my example.”“‘Bhagwan kare ki koi narrative ke chakkar mein na fas jaye, iss chakravyuh mein koi fass gaya toh nikalna bada mushkil hain (God forbid that anyone gets caught up in a narrative; if someone gets trapped in this labyrinth, it becomes very difficult to get out)’. I am not giving my example,” he said.Dhankhar resigned abruptly on July 21, citing health reasons, and had remained out of public view except for a quiet appearance at the swearing-in of his successor CP Radhakrishnan on September 12. His absence from public life had fuelled questions from the Opposition, which repeatedly argued he deserved a formal farewell like his predecessors. The Congress had also suggested that his silence since July was unusual. Jairam Ramesh said Dhankhar had been “totally silent – unseen and unheard” for 100 days and claimed his resignation appeared “forced”, even though Dhankhar had consistently praised the prime minister.Friday’s event was also notable for the absence of government representatives. No one from the Mohan Yadav administration or the state BJP arrived at the airport to receive him, prompting sharp criticism from former chief minister Digvijaya Singh. He accused the ruling party of disregarding protocol, saying the BJP values only those who are “useful” to it and describing its approach as “use and throw”. He added that he would not extend that criticism to the RSS, given Dhankhar had come at the Sangh’s invitation.Organisers said the former vice-president had been scheduled as the keynote speaker for some time, marking his first major engagement since leaving office. Dhankhar, who took charge in August 2022 and was due to serve until 2027, had an eventful tenure that included frequent clashes with the Opposition and an unprecedented impeachment motion that was later dismissed.
