First draft of Indian history written by colonisers with distorted perspective: Dhankhar

Vice President emphasizes decolonization, inclusivity, and Indology for a thriving Indian heritage in a polarized world.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday (January 20, 2025) said it was a travesty that the ignorant were trying to make us aware of inclusivity by their narrow-minded approach.

He also said that the first draft of the country's history came through colonisers' distorted perspective.

While thousands contributed to the freedom struggle, only a few were promoted. Even post-independence, this was allowed to take roots. This disrupted organic evolution of our knowledge system, the Vice President said.

"We have to unshackle ourselves from colonial legacy and mindset," he said.

He asserted that the philosophical schools of Vedanta, Jainism, Buddhism and others have always encouraged dialogue and co-existence — the principles that hold immense value in today's polarised world.

It was time now to ensure India's heritage blossoms and thrives and there could not be a more opportune time, he noted while urging the youth to take pride in India's mathematical contributions.

“Much of the problems we are facing today will be resolved on a fast track basis if we keep Indology in mind,” he said after laying the foundation stone for the Nandlal Nuwal Centre of Indology at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in New Delhi.