Dharma is most fundamental concept of Indian culture: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 26 : Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday described Dharma as the foundational concept of Indian culture, guiding all aspects of life.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 'Namah Shivaya' Parayan, organised by Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetham as part of their Suvarna Bharati Mahotsava in Bengaluru, Dhankhar said that Dharma signifies both the path and the destination, encompassing all spheres of existence, even the divine. It serves as a practical guide for righteous living rather than a utopian ideal.
"Sanatana stands for empathy, compassion, tolerance, non-violence, virtue, sublimity, religiosity, and inclusivity," he stated.
The Vice-President described "Mantra Cosmopolis" as a rare and impactful event, engaging the mind, heart, and soul, with participants in harmonious unity.
He highlighted Vedic chanting as one of humanity's oldest continuous oral traditions, connecting people to their ancestors' profound spiritual wisdom.
"The precise rhythms, intonations, and vibrations of these sacred mantras create a powerful resonance, fostering mental peace and environmental harmony," he remarked.
He added that the systematic structure of Vedic verses and the intricate recitation rules reflect the scientific sophistication of ancient scholars.
"This tradition, preserved without written records, demonstrates the extraordinary capability of Indian culture to transmit knowledge orally across generations, with each syllable meticulously articulated in mathematical harmony," he said.
The Vice-President underscored Indian culture's unity in diversity, achieved through the blending of varied traditions over time.
"This journey has instilled values of humility and non-violence. India stands unparalleled in inclusiveness, embodying humanity's unity. The divine essence of Indian culture lies in universal compassion, encapsulated in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," he said.
He recognised India as the birthplace of major religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
Reflecting on historical attempts by bigoted minds to undermine and tarnish Indian culture, the Vice-President affirmed that the nation has endured because its culture is indestructible.
Acknowledging Adi Shankaracharya's role in unifying and fortifying Indian culture, Dhankhar said India owes a debt to him for reviving the timeless traditions of Indian spirituality and philosophy.
At the Parayan gathering, 'Namah Shivaya' held at the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, Dhankhar observed, "Each person here is a custodian, ambassador, and foot soldier of our culture."
The Vice-President remarked that this Parayan is a testament to the confidence that India will proudly pass its time-honoured tradition of chanting to future generations, capturing Bharat's cultural and spiritual richness.
He cautioned that the pursuit of wealth should not be reckless or self-centred. He stated that if wealth creation is harmonised with human welfare, it purifies the conscience and brings happiness.
He also emphasised that business ethics should align with spiritual principles, ensuring that Dharma is wedded to fairness, equitable behaviour, and equality for all.
In a society governed by Dharma, he said, there is no place for inequity.