Vice-President Urges Corporate Investment in Education
In a compelling address at the 75th anniversary of K.P.B Hinduja College of Commerce in Mumbai, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the critical need for corporate leaders to invest in education as a means of societal development. He argued that philanthropy should not be driven by commercial interests, highlighting the detrimental effects of commodification in health and education sectors. Dhankhar called for a collective responsibility between the government and private sector to prioritize educational initiatives.
Philanthropy Beyond Commercial Interests
During his speech, Vice-President Dhankhar articulated a strong stance against the commercialization of philanthropic efforts. He stated, “Philanthropic endeavour should not be driven by philosophy of commodification and commercialisation.” He pointed out that the health and education sectors are suffering due to this trend. Dhankhar urged corporate leaders to view their contributions to education not merely as acts of charity but as essential investments in the nation’s future. He emphasized that such investments are crucial for the development of industry, business, and trade, framing education as a transformative mechanism that fosters equality and opportunity.
He further elaborated on the importance of education in creating a level playing field, stating, “It cuts into inequities, it affords level playing field. It creates genius by discovering the genius through the path of education.” By placing education in the concurrent list of responsibilities shared by both the state and the union, the Vice-President underscored its significance in national development.
A Call to Action for Corporate Leaders
Dhankhar made a passionate appeal to the private sector, urging industry leaders to take an active role in enhancing educational opportunities. He remarked, “I appeal from this platform… it is a concurrent responsibility of the government and the private sector.” He encouraged business leaders to prioritize education and contribute to societal betterment through philanthropic initiatives. His call to action was clear: the private sector must rise to the occasion and invest in education as a shared responsibility for the nation’s progress. Reflecting on the philanthropic culture in other countries, he noted the substantial endowments of universities in the United States, questioning why India lacks a similar tradition. “What is there in this country that we do not have this culture?” he asked, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset towards educational contributions.
Honoring Historical Educational Institutions
In his address, Vice-President Dhankhar also paid tribute to India’s rich educational heritage, referencing ancient institutions like Nalanda and Takshila. He lamented the destruction of these centers of knowledge, particularly the tragic fate of Nalanda, which was set ablaze in 1193, leading to the loss of countless manuscripts and centuries of accumulated wisdom. “This vandalized devastation wasn’t merely architectural, but represented the systemic erasure of centuries of knowledge,” he stated, highlighting the importance of preserving educational legacies. Dhankhar’s reflections on historical institutions served as a reminder of the value of knowledge and the need to foster a culture of learning and inquiry in contemporary society. He concluded by reiterating the importance of collective efforts in rebuilding and enhancing the educational landscape in India.
Notable attendees at the event included Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, and Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, among other dignitaries.
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