Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said that India is witnessing "painful" religious conversions in a "structured manner" that does not align with the country's values and constitutional principles. He said a "sugar-coated philosophy" is being sold and the vulnerable sections of the society are being targeted.
He made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the Hindu Spiritual and Seva Mela 2024 in Jaipur. Dhankar called it a planned conspiracy and said it is very dangerous, stressing the urgency to deal with the forces involved, news agency PTI reported.
"A sugar-coated philosophy is being sold. Vulnerable sections of the society, including tribals, are being targeted and lured with temptations," Dhankhar said.
"I firmly believe that we are witnessing this very painful religious conversions in a structured manner as a policy, and this is opposite to our values and constitutional principles. There is an urgent need to neutralise such sinister forces. We must remain vigilant and act swiftly. You cannot imagine the extent of those who are currently active in fragmenting India," he added.
'Preamble Reflects The Essence Of Sanatan Dharma'
The Vice President also said the Preamble of the Constitution reflects the essence of Sanatan Dharma.
"Our constitutional values emanate from Sanatan Dharma. The Preamble of the Constitution reflects the essence of Sanatan Dharma. Sanatan is all inclusive! Sanatan is the only way for humanity to move forward," he said.
He further spoke about how the Hindu religion is about inclusivity and serving others. "Hindu religion is quintessentially inclusive in true sense. Spending life in the service of others is the essence and basic mantra of Indian culture. Even today the spirit of service is strongly present in Hindu society," he said.
Dhankar said the Indian society prioritises providing help to others in need, even at the cost of one's own well-being.
The vice president said that even though the country was invaded and foreign powers ruled here, the spirit of service never declined. "The people have consistently walked this path. Even today, the sentiment of service is strongly present in Hindu society," he said.
He mentioned how various topics are being discussed these days at both national and international levels, trying to point out shortcomings of India and "suggesting that India is a country where four out of ten people are engaged in public service and helping others".
Diasgreeing with such reports, he said: "I do not agree with the figure of 40 per cent; this assessment is not accurate; the actual number is much higher. We are a society that supports others in distress at the cost of our own stress."