Culture of ‘VIP darshan’ at religious places should be dispensed with, says Jagdeep Dhankhar
The Hindu
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Tuesday that “the very idea of VIP darshan (at religious places) militates against divinity” and it should be dispensed with.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Tuesday that “the very idea of VIP darshan (at religious places) militates against divinity” and it should be dispensed with.
He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the new three-storey queue complex ‘Sri Saanidhya’ on the premises of Manjunatha temple at Dharmasthala.
The Vice-President said: “...When precedence is accorded, when priority is given to someone, when we label it as VVIP or VIP, this is belittling the concept of equality. VIP culture is an aberration, it is an incursion when viewed on the anvil of equality. It should have no place in society, much less in religious places. I hope this Dharmasthala being led by a luminary of all times will serve as an example of egalitarianism and let us shun for all times VIP culture.”
Earlier, Mr. Dhankar said: “...A soothing change in recent years in our country has been infrastructural growth that is germane to our religious places. This needs to be applauded as these are centres also of our civilisational values. Religious institutions are emblematic of equality since there is no individual higher before the Almighty. We should re-instil the idea of equality in religious institutions.”
The Vice-President said that political climate in the country is a challenge as much as climate change. “We have to work to harmonise it.”
“There is an urgent need in the country to ensure, to think, to reflect on deep political divisiveness. We cannot ignore our long-term gains and commitment to nationalism for short-term gains. The political temperature in the country need to be moderated by rational minds...,” he said.
Mr. Dhankhar said that politics is not meant for bitterness. Politicians will and must have different ideologies. The object of politics should not be power alone. It should be serving society and the nation.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
Firefighters discover body at Air India crash site in Ahmedabad; medical students among casualties, identification process ongoing.
Senior police officers transferred after communal clashes in Maheshtala; BJP criticizes transfers, police claim routine, new officers appointed.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy urges Tollywood to join Telangana's $3 trillion economy mission, emphasizing support for film industry growth.
Manipur unites in grief after Flight AI-171 crash, mourning loss of crew members from Meitei and Thadou communities.
Mahanti Fish Market in Vijayawada faces relocation proposal by VMC due to traffic issues, sparking debate among workers and sellers.
Flotsam from Liberian cargo vessel reaches Kanniyakumari coast, prompting pollution concerns; clean-up efforts under way.
Residents celebrate successful revival of B. Channasandra lake in Bengaluru through collaborative efforts, overcoming challenges and threats.
61 persons from Rajasthan stranded in Georgia seek Indian government's help amid flight suspensions due to Israel-Iran conflict.
Rare event in Hima Sohra, Meghalaya, where a visitor was killed, sparking a murder mystery and tourist safety concerns.
Chamundi Hills development under PRASHAD scheme progresses with State and Centre funding, enhancing amenities for tourists and devotees.
Supreme Court cautions against misuse of preventive detention, emphasizing it should not replace criminal prosecution or bail orders.
Telangana dairy industry seeks uniform 5% GST rate on flavoured milk for clarity, consistency, and fair taxation.
Hundreds of people gathered at Kondapalli Fort on the outskirts of Vijayawada at the break of dawn on Saturday to take part in the Yogandhra programme organised by the NTR district administration.