Issues of nationalism, national security beyond politics, says Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar

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“I am happy to note that the visionary step by the Prime Minister to send an all-party delegation of MPs abroad has evoked the right response, in the country and outside. All political parties converged. That is the Bharat we need — every day on national security and national development. I am sure this will go a long way,” he said during his interaction with students and faculty members at JIPMER, Pondicherry.

Underlining the success of Operation Sindoor, Dhankhar stated, “About two months ago, all of us were concerned, worried and traumatised. On April 22, in Pahalgam, the terrorists struck us, challenging our ethos. The world’s most peace-loving nation, one that has never engaged in expansionism, faced this horrendous terrorist attack. The Prime Minister pledged 'zero tolerance for terrorism'."

He also lauded the armed forces for vindicating Modi's promise as Muridke and Bahawalpur became witness to the potency of our BrahMos. The headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba were demolished by calibrated, precise and calculated attacks.

“The evidence was given to the entire world — that this is a different Bharat: bold, confident but calculated. Because war is not a solution. As PM Modi has hinted, we are not living in an era of war. We have to take recourse to diplomacy and dialogue. But the message has gone loud and clear. The world has come to realize that indigenous production of defence material means a lot to us,” he said.

“For any progress, peace is an essential aspect and peace comes from a position of strength. The best guarantee to peace is that we are ever prepared for war and that comes when the national mindset is nation first. We have to believe in our nationalism”, he added.

Speaking about the Centre's health insurance scheme, the Vice-President said, “Ayushman Bharat means we need more doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. We need more diagnostic centres, more outlets for medicines and greater research. We need springing of hospitals and healthcare centres, both in the public and private sector. “

Emphasising the significance of health, while interacting with students and faculty, he said, “Health of the nation is fundamental for growth. A person may be very talented, very keen and committed. He wants to give everything to society, he doesn't have self interest. But what if he's not in good health? Whoever is keen to contribute for the welfare of others becomes an object of sympathy by others. Therefore, Fit India can be the only answer and you are its watchdogs,” he said.