VP calls on media to move away from individual-centric approach and focus on institutions

The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today cautioned against associating with those who harbour sinister designs against India, highlighting the existential challenges posed by forces inimical to the nation. “We cannot fraternize with those whose positioning is established as being inimical to Bharat. They are perniciously aspiring to offer existential challenges to Bharat.”

Expressing concern about how certain individuals, both within and outside the country, seek to undermine India’s institutions and national growth. Shri Dhankhar remarked, “Can we have accolades for one who is maligning in and outside the country? Our sacred institutions are being run down, affecting our growth. Can we overlook it? I, for one, will never do injustice to young boys and girls”.Addressing the gathering at the inaugural session of Sansad TV@3 Conclave at Parliament House today, Shri Dhankhar highlighted the critical role of the media in addressing in shaping national discourse, stressing upon the need to move away from an individual-centric approach in journalism and focusing on institutions and national growth. “We have to address issues not with individuals on the radar. How can we have an individual-centric approach? Our sacred institutions must not be maligned,” he said.

Reiterating the vital role of Media as the fourth pillar of democracy, Shri Dhankhar voiced concerns about the rising trend of excessive criticism, stating, “We have become chronic critics. Such persistent criticism as a matter of policy is antiethical to democratic values.”

Emphasizing that the Media should focus more on positive developmental stories from different parts of the country, Shri Dhankhar remarked, “We need to revisit our thoughts. Development is not the agenda of our news. Development is not on the radar. We need to revisit our agenda.”

Stressing on the importance of safeguarding the nation’s image on the global stage, Shri Dhankhar stated “We cannot have a wrong picture of Bharat painted outside in particular. Every Indian, every Bharatiya who goes outside this country is an ambassador of this nation. He has to have nothing in his heart except 100% commitment for the nation, nationalism.”

Highlighting the importance of each democratic institution operating within its defined Constitutional boundaries, Shri Dhankhar underscored that the Constitution has defined the role of every Institution, and each must perform optimally within its respective domain. “If one institution steps into the role of another institution, order will suffer,” he said. “If one institution makes a declaration about another from a certain platform, it is jurisprudentially improper. It threatens the entire system. Jurisprudentially, institutional jurisdiction is defined by the Constitution, and the Constitution alone. Therefore, jurisprudentially and jurisdictionally, there will be tipping if one institution gets into the domain of the other”, he noted.

Drawing attention to the fact that the observation of Constitution Day is marked by two significant dates, Shri Dhankhar stated, “The declaration that Constitution Day will be observed was made on the birthday of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar- the man who gave us the Constitution”.

Reminding youngsters that the gazette notification was issued on another important date, “the birthday of the person who promulgated Emergency,” Shri Dhankhar remarked, “Youngsters need to know about this dark period, when liberties capsized, institutions collapsed, even the Supreme Court did not come to their aid. Therefore, Samvidhan Hatya Diwas must be projected massively every year. Our people have to be sensitized,” he noted.

Calling for a collective, non-partisan effort towards national development, Shri Dhankhar urged that the nation’s progress must not be viewed through a political lens. He underscored the importance of celebrating achievements as part of the country’s growth, rather than attributing them to political entities.

Recognizing India’s remarkable progress across all sectors—land, sea, sky, and space, he emphasized the nation’s rapid development, particularly in rural areas, where affordable housing, connectivity, and solar-powered homes are transforming lives. He stressed the importance of recognizing the strides made by ordinary citizens and the youth, as India moves away from a system of privileged pedigree towards transparent and accountable governance.

The Vice-President further affirmed that institutions like IITs and IIMs are now accessible to all, not just the elite. He also expressed pride in the digital empowerment of over 100 million farmers, who receive direct financial benefits through government schemes.

Shri P.C. Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, Shri Rajit Punhani, Secretary, Rajya Sabha   and Chief Executive Officer, Sansad TV, Dr. Vandana Kumar, Additional Secretary, Rajya Sabha & Additional Chief Executive Officer, Sansad TV and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.