New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that democratic polity thrives on discourse. “Expression and discourse are fundamental to democracy. If you do not have right of expression, you cannot claim to be living in a democracy. But your expression is incomplete unless you believe in dialogue,” he pointed out. Dhankhar was speaking at an event in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in New Delhi.
The Vice President added, “By dialogue, I mean where there is no fear, where it won’t invite ridicule and where there is freedom.” Dhankhar underlined that absence of dialogue can be death-knell for democratic institutions. He contended that consideration of varying points of view is the nectar of democracy. Democracy flourishes through inclusive dialogue, free from fear or ridicule, Dhankhar said.
‘Our scriptures, history emphasise that dialogue resolves conflicts’
Addressing the gathering, he remarked that a peep into our Indological heritage will reveal that dialogue and discourse were always central when it came to resolution of issues. Our scriptures and history emphasise that dialogue resolves conflicts and sustains society. History proves that in wars and conflicts, ultimately the resolution was through dialogue and discourse, Dhankhar pointed out.
“Absence of dialogue can be apocalyptic, it can be very dangerous. The concept of dialogue emerges from our Vedas, Puranas, scriptures and epics — all indicate predominance of dialogue,” he emphasised.
The Vice President said that adopting dialogue, discussion, and expression will help reduce political temperature in the country, which is worrisome at the moment. It is essential for all to ensure dialogue at every level, as healthy discourse always benefits the nation, he underlined.
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