Pondicherry: Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, in an address to students and faculty at JIPMER, Pondicherry, underscored the paramount importance of national unity, robust healthcare, and indigenous defence capability. Calling for a united national mindset, he emphasized that “issues of nationalism and national security are beyond political parties and interests.”
Ayushman Bharat: More Than a Policy, A National Mission
Elaborating on the holistic vision of Ayushman Bharat, the Vice-President stated,
“We need more human resources in the shape of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. We need more diagnostic centres, more outlets for medicines, and greater research. We need the springing up of hospitals and healthcare centres, both in the public and private sectors.”
He emphasized that health is foundational to the growth of any nation, asserting that even the most committed individuals cannot serve the nation effectively if their health is compromised.
“Fit India is the only answer — and you are its watchdogs,” he told the young audience.
National Security: Operation Sindoor and India’s Message to the World
Reflecting on Operation Sindoor, Shri Dhankhar recounted the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, describing it as a “challenge to India’s ethos.” He lauded the resolute response of the Armed Forces, declaring that
“Muridke and Bahawalpur — the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba — were devastated by precise BrahMos strikes. This was the fulfillment of Prime Minister Modi’s pledge of zero tolerance for terrorism.”
He noted that the international community was shown concrete proof that India is now a bold, confident, and strategically calculated nation.
“War is not the solution — diplomacy and dialogue must be pursued — but our preparedness must be complete.”
Indigenous Defence: Strength for Peace
The Vice-President emphasized the critical value of indigenous defence production, describing it as a core pillar of strategic autonomy.
“Peace comes from a position of strength. The best guarantee for peace is our readiness for war. The national mindset must be rooted in ‘nation first’, and our self-reliance in defence underlines that resolve.”
All-Party Delegations: A Visionary Step for National Unity
In a strong endorsement of the Prime Minister’s recent initiative, Shri Dhankhar praised the move to send multi-party delegations of Members of Parliament abroad, stating,
“I appeal to all — especially the political class — to realize that nationalism and national security are beyond partisanship. The response to this step, both domestically and globally, has been overwhelmingly positive.”
He emphasized that such cooperation reflects the true spirit of Bharat — a nation united in its pursuit of security and development.
“That is the Bharat we need — every day.”
Dignitaries Present
The event saw the presence of several distinguished personalities, including:
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Shri K. Kailashnathan, Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Puducherry
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Shri N. Rangasamy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Puducherry
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Shri R. Selvam, Hon’ble Speaker, Puducherry Legislative Assembly
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Shri S. Selvaganapathy, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
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Shri V. Vaithilingam, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
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Shri V. Aroumougame @ AKD, MLA, Indira Nagar Constituency
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Faculty members, students, and various dignitaries
The address by the Vice-President reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to public health, national unity, indigenous defence strength, and political harmony — pillars vital for a progressive and self-reliant Bharat.
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