By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, DEC 04, 2023: VICE-PRESIDENT of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, yesterday highlighted the importance of nurturing economic nationalism to accelerate India's progress.  Questioning the use of foreign exchange for importing non-essential items, the Vice-President appealed to trade, industry and business to uphold economic nationalism, and stressed on the need to sensitise every citizen towards the same. Cautioning that economic nationalism must not be compromised for fiscal gain, he said "Our economy will get a quantum jump when we subscribe to this enlightened idea."

Delivering the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture 2023, organised by All India Radio (Akashvani), on the theme 'Rise of India as an Economic Powerhouse' at Akashvani Bhavan in New Delhi today, the Vice-President paid tribute to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India. He acknowledged the crucial role played by Dr. Rajendra Prasad at the helm of India's Constituent Assembly, and called upon all legislators to emulate the behaviour of members of the Constituent Assembly for the progress of the nation. 

Tracing the journey of India's economy from being one of the Fragile Five to becoming the fifth largest in the world, the Vice-President made note of India's landmark achievements that are scripting history. Commending India's global stature, Vice-President Dhankhar said that the entire world today looks up to India as a leading voice on global matters.

Observing the challenge of climate change that threatens all humanity, the Vice-President called for the optimum utilisation of natural resources and said that one's fiscal power should not determine the usage of such resources as water, petroleum, electricity. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Dhankhar reminded the audience that "The earth has enough for everyone's need, but not for everyone's greed".

Underlining the significance of All India Radio as a platform for taking critical messages to all corners of the country, the Vice-President drew stressed on the role played by the Prime Minister's 'Mann Ki Baat' in giving the medium of radio a new recognition. He also emphasised on the importance of radio as a medium for neutralising false, orchestrated narratives and ensuring that authentic information reaches citizens.

Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Apurva Chandra, CEO of Prasar Bharati, Gaurav Dwivedi; Principal Director General; All India Radio, Dr. Vasudha Gupta and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.