New Delhi: Addressing students and faculty members at the Pondicherry University today, Shri Dhnakhar stated, “India’s educational geography and history have been dotted with great centers of learning — Takshashila, Nalanda, Mithila, Vallabhi, and many more. These institutions defined, during that period of history, our Bharat to the entire world. Scholars from all over the world came to share their ideas and learn about our wisdom. But something went wrong. Nalanda’s nine-story library — and just look at those times: 1300 years ago, a nine-story library! Dharamganj, it used to be called. That was the house of manuscripts that advanced then- mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. In two waves of invasion — first the Islamic invasion, and then British colonialism — India suffered a blow to its knowledge heritage. Bakhtiyar Khilji, around 1190, demonstrated cruelty and barbarity. He acted totally against any sense of civilizational ethos. And then, the books alone did not burn. He slit the throats of monks, smashed stupas, and razed the soul of India in his assessment — not realizing that the soul of Bharat is indestructible. The fire raged for years. It swallowed 9 million — 90 lakh — books and texts. Our history turned to cinders. Nalanda was much beyond a school of thought; it was a living, vibrant temple of knowledge for the benefit of entire humanity. Nine stories of libraries towered over the plains, filled with palm leaf manuscripts…..For three months, flames ate through them. Smoke so thick — which we see recently on account of global conflagrations.”
Urging to bring down political temperature and engage in dialogue, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Friends, there is need for change of national mindset also. Let me first talk about the political system. We have picked up the habit of not making a difference but differing one with one another. Any good idea coming from someone else and not from me is wrong. Because I believe in the supremacy of my own idea. In the process I am sacrificing our Vedic philosophy of Anantavad. There has to be Abhivyakti, there has to be Vaad-Vivad, there has to be expression, there has to be dialogue. The two are complementary. We have to move ahead in that direction. We are too keen to raise the political temperature. Climate change is doing that for us. We all are concerned. Why should we melt the glaciers of our patience? Why should we act impatiently getting away from our civilisational, spiritual essence? I appeal to the political firmament, the leadership in politics. Please moderate the temperature of politics. There is no room for confrontation. There has to be dialogue. Disruption and disturbance are not the mechanism, which framers of Constitution in Constituent Assembly have taught us. It is high time when India is on the rise and the world is looking at us. There are bound to be challenges because India at the moment is the most aspirational nation in the world. As a result of phenomenal development of last decade, those challenges to us will get complexed if our politicians do not measure to the requirement of always listening to national interest and national development.”
Expressing concern over commercialization of education Shri Dhankhar stated, “ There was a time when education and health were means by those who had enough resources to give back to the society. They never thought these to be profit-making ventures. Their ventures in health and education were dictated by our age old wisdom- We must return to the society to exemplify its worthy citizens. And therefore the endeavor should be, we should not be driven by commodification and commercialization of education. Our education must align with India’s traditional Gurukul system that finds place in one amongst 22 miniatures in the Indian Constitution and precedence is given to it. We must emphasize boys and girls apart from getting knowledge, character development because only then knowledge acquisition will get quality cutting edge. Education as service stands at odds in conflict with the current commercial model that is fast emerging. And therefore I appeal a mindset change with the corporates. India has been home to philanthropy. I appeal to those who are corporate leaders. Pool your CSR resources to create by converging Institutes of global eminence as green field projects, much away from the concept of balance sheets.”
Emphasising on the significance of alumni contribution to University he said, “If you look around the world — the developed democracies of the world — you will find that the endowment funds of universities run into billions of US dollars. One university’s fund is more than 50 billion US dollars. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, make a beginning. Let every alumni of this institute contribute to this fund. Boys and girls, the amount does not matter — the spirit matters. You will find how impactful it will be over the years. Not only will the fund go up, it will also generate a list among the alumni class and with the alma mater. This will be a big step. Remember, the step taken is great — and that is why, on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong, the first man to ever step on the moon, he said: “A small step by him, a giant leap for humanity.” So, for alumni, it may be a small step — but cumulatively, the results will be geometric.”
Stressing that languages of India indicate inclusivity, Shri Dhankhar underlined, “ How can we be divided on languages? No country in the world is as rich when it comes to languages as our ‘Bharat’ and just imagine, Sanskrit is important globally — Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Bengali, Assamese — I name these 11 because they are our classical languages. In Parliament, discourse is allowed by the Members in 22 languages. Boys and girls, our languages indicate inclusivity. Sanatan teaches us nothing but to be in togetherness for the same sublime purpose. So, what has flown out of inclusivity? What is responsible for inclusivity — can it be a premise of divisiveness? I appeal to everyone to soul-search, be reflective, rise to the occasion, marvel at our great accomplishments, look at our destination, take into account the future of boys and girls, and let us get over this storm.”
