Jagdeep Dhankhar

Jagdeep Dhankhar (born 18 May 1951) is an Indian politician and lawyer, serving as the 14th and current vice president of India since 2022. He previously served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. He also served as a Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Chandra Shekhar ministry from 1990 to 1991. He was a member of Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991 and later a Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1993 to 1998. He has also been affiliated with multiple political parties in India, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress and Janata Dal.

Jagdeep Dhankhar
Dhankhar in 2024
14th Vice President of India
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 August 2022
President	Droupadi Murmu
Prime Minister	Narendra Modi
Preceded by	M. Venkaiah Naidu
Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 August 2022
President	Droupadi Murmu
Deputy	Harivansh Narayan Singh
Preceded by	M. Venkaiah Naidu
Chancellor of Delhi University
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 August 2022
Vice Chancellor	Yogesh Singh
Preceded by	M. Venkaiah Naidu
21st Governor of West Bengal
In office 30 July 2019 – 18 July 2022
Chief Minister	Mamata Banerjee
Preceded by	Keshari Nath Tripathi
Succeeded by	La. Ganesan (additional charge)
Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs
In office 21 November 1990 – 21 June 1991
President	R. Venkataraman
Prime Minister	Chandra Shekhar
Minister	Satya Prakash Malaviya
Deputy PM	Devi Lal
Succeeded by	R. K. Kumar
Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
In office 4 December 1993 – 29 November 1998
Governor	Bali Ram Bhagat Darbara Singh Navrang Lal Tibrewal
Speaker	Hari Shankar Bhabhra Shanti Lal Chaplot
Preceded by	Jagjeet Singh
Succeeded by	Nathu Ram
Constituency	Kishangarh
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office 2 December 1989 – 21 June 1991
President	R. Venkataraman
Speaker	Rabi Ray
Preceded by	Mohd. Ayub Khan
Succeeded by	Mohd. Ayub Khan
Constituency	Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
Personal details
Born	(1951-05-18) 18 May 1951 Kithana, Rajasthan, India
Political party	Bharatiya Janata Party
Other political affiliations	Indian National Congress (1991–2003) Janata Dal (until 1991)
Spouse	Sudesh Dhankhar ​ (m. 1979)​
Residence	Vice President's Enclave, New Delhi
Alma mater	University of Rajasthan (BA, LLB)
Occupation	Politician
Profession	Lawyer
Website	Official Website

Early life and education

Dhankhar was born on 18 May 1950 in Kithana, a village in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India into a Hindu Rajasthani Jat family to Gokal Chand and Kesari Devi. He completed his school education from Sainik School, Chittorgarh. Dhankhar completed his primary and middle school education from Kithana Government School and Ghardhana Government School respectively. He graduated in B.Sc and LLB from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

Dhankhar married Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar in 1979, and they have a daughter, Kamna.

Law career

Dhankhar enrolled with the Bar Council of Rajasthan as an Advocate in 1979. He was designated as Senior Advocate by the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan in 1990, and was the senior-most designated Senior Advocate of the state till taking the oath as Governor on 30 July 2019.

Since 1990, Dhankhar had been practicing primarily in the field of constitutional law as a senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India. He has appeared in various High Courts of India. He is a former President of Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, Jaipur.

Dhankhar had appeared in the Sutlej River water dispute in 2016, he argued on behalf of the state of Haryana in the Supreme Court of India.

Political career

He has been a member of Janata Dal and Indian National Congress in past. He was a member of parliament of Janata Dal representing Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha constituency in Rajasthan during 1989–91 in the 9th Lok Sabha.

He joined Congress in 1991. He lost the 1991 Indian general election from Ajmer Lok Sabha constituency. He was elected as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Kishangarh, Rajasthan during 1993–98 in the 10th Legislative Assembly Rajasthan.

He lost the 1998 Indian general election from Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha constituency and came on third position.

He joined the BJP in 2003. He was a member of 2008 assembly election campaign committee of BJP. In 2016, he headed the BJP's law and legal affairs department.

Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022)

Governor of West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

On 20 July 2019, Second Modi ministry through, President Ram Nath Kovind appointed him as Governor of West Bengal. T. B. Radhakrishnan, Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court administered the Oath of Office to Jagdeep Dhankhar on 30 July 2019 at the Raj Bhavan, Kolkata

After becoming the governor of West Bengal, Dhankhar had frequent public confrontations with the state government and chief minister of the state Mamata Banerjee throughout his tenure. Dhankhar had been a vocal critic of the Third Banerjee ministry, and frequently used Twitter and media to attack the West Bengal government over political issues. In response the Trinamool Congress (TMC) referred Dhankhar as the 'real leader of the opposition'. In January 2022, CM Banerjee blocked Dhankhar on Twitter and accused him of mentioning her in his tweets daily and speaking in an unethical and abusive way.

On 13 July 2022, Dhankar met with Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee and Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sharma. Later on 15 July 2022, Dhankar visited Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah there. He resigned as Governor on 17 July 2022, after being nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Alliance.

Vice Presidency (2022–present)

2022 vice-presidential election

Further information: 2022 Indian vice presidential election

President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office to Dhankhar as the 14th Vice President of India.

On 16 July 2022, the BJP nominated Dhankhar as the National Democratic Alliance's candidate for Vice President of India for the 2022 election the following month. Dhankhar has been projected as a kisan putra (farmer's son) by the BJP. He contested against the United Opposition's candidate, Margaret Alva, a former Union Minister and Governor from the Indian National Congress. On 18 July 2022, Dhankhar filed his nomination papers for the vice-president elections. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other union ministers and BJP politicians.

He contested against the United Opposition's candidate, Margaret Alva. The elections were conducted on 6 August, 2022 and the same evening, the counting of votes was carried out. Dhankhar emerged victorious by securing 528 votes out of 710 valid votes over opposition candidate Margaret Alva's 182. All India Trinamool Congress abstained from the election with only two members voting.

Dhankhar won the 2022 election with 74.37% votes and recorded a highest poll-victory margin since the 1992 election.

Tenure

Dhankhar paying respects to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary in New Delhi on 2 October 2022.

Dhankar assumed the office on 11 August 2022 succeeding Venkaiah Naidu, with the oath administered by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu in the central banquet hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Dhankar inspects the Guard of Honour at Indian Naval Academy in May 2023.

Electoral performance

Results of the Indian vice-presidential election, 2022

	Candidate	Party (Coalition)	Electoral Votes	% of Votes
	Jagdeep Dhankhar	BJP (NDA)	528	74.37
	Margaret Alva	INC (UO)	182	25.63
Total			710	100
Valid Votes			710
Invalid Votes			15
Turnout			725	92.95%
Abstentions			55	7.05%
Electors			780

Administration of Oath and Assumption of Office

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of Office of Vice-president of India to Jagdeep Dhankhar on 11.08.2022.

Representing India on the World Stage (Foreign Tours)

Cambodia (November 2022)

Jagdeep Dhankhar's first official foreign visit as vice-president was to Cambodia in November 2022. He represented India at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia and celebrating the 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations during the India-ASEAN Friendship Year.

Vice-president Dhankhar had meetings with the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the President of the Senate, and also met the Prime Minister of Vietnam on the sidelines of the summits. In the presence of Vice-president Dhankhar and Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, three MoUs and one Financing arrangement were exchanged related to cooperation in the areas of Culture, Biodiversity & Health.

During his visit, Dhankhar attended a community reception hosted by the Indian community in Phnom Penh. He also called on the king of Cambodia, H.E. Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace.

The vice-president visited the heritage sites of Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap and examined the restoration and conservation work at these cultural heritage sites, carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India. He inaugurated the Hall of Dancers at the Ta Prohm Temple. The conservation and restoration of Ta Prohm is a partnership project of the Archaeological Survey of India and the APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) and has been carried out since 2011.

Qatar (November 2022)

At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Vice-president Dhankhar visited Qatar on 20-21 November 2022.

Vice-president Dhankhar joined the Amir of the State of Qatar and other dignitaries at the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup 2022. On the sidelines, he interacted with the Emir of Qatar, UN Secretary General, FIFA President, IOC President and several other world leaders.

During this visit, he met with prominent members of the Indian community, including businessmen, educationists, doctors, and blue-collar workers. He acknowledged the contributions of over 840,000 Indians in Qatar and encouraged participation in the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas celebrations. During his official visit to Qatar, Dhankhar also visited the Qatar National Museum.

United Kingdom (May 2023)

Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar visited London, United Kingdom (UK) on 05-06 May 2023 to attend the Coronation ceremony of H.M. King Charles III on behalf of the Government of India. Dhankhar's presence marked the second time that an Indian leader attended the coronation event in the UK, after a gap of nearly seven decades. Last time, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru represented India when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.

Ahead of the coronation, Vice-president Dhankhar and his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar met King Charles III, the United States First Lady Jill Biden, President of Israel- Isaac Herzog, President of Italy- Sergio Mattarella, President of Brazil- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and other world leaders during a reception hosted by the Monarch at Buckingham Palace.

On the first day of his visit, Dhankhar also addressed the members of the Indian community in the United Kingdom where he noted that Indian democracy, at the moment, is functioning at a level which is unmatched anywhere in the world.

Following the coronation, he also joined leaders of the Commonwealth countries at a special event hosted by King Charles III at the Marlborough House, London and exchanged views with Commonwealth leaders on strengthening the institution of the Commonwealth.

Iran (May 2024)

On 22 May 2024, Vice-president Dhankhar visited the Islamic Republic of Iran to attend the official ceremony to pay condolences on the tragic demise of President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on 19 May 2024.

Other Engagements

Dhankhar interacts with foreign dignitaries and delegations regularly in his capacity as the vice-president of India.

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, organised under India's Presidency of the G20, Vice-president Dhankhar met several foreign delegations at his residence. At a dinner hosted on the conclusion of the summit, Dhankhar interacted with distinguished leaders from across the globe.

Defence Related Engagements

Jagdeep Dhankhar, a legal mind, Sainik School alumnus, once aspired to join the defence forces himself. He possesses geostrategic acumen and has been invited to address defence personnel from India and other countries at various national and international fora. Jagdeep Dhankhar staunchly believes that the emergence of India as a global economic power is a stabilising factor for global peace and harmony and has emphasised that fair representation of India in decision-making bodies like UNSC is the need of the hour.

Address at Chanakya Defence Dialogue

Jagdeep Dhankhar, as Chief Guest delivered the special address at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2023 steered by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. In his address he supported global peace, but called for being vigilant and prepared while upholding peace through a multifaceted approach, combining ideation, advocacy, outreach, persuasion, and dialogue. He further remarked that "being prepared for war is a pathway to peace."  

He believes that the current geostrategic scenario is driven by the technological changes taking place in the world. He opines that the future belongs to those countries which will master the emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data analysis, robotics, semiconductor, biotech, hypersonics and quantum computing.

In his address, he categorically stated “Prowess & mastery of Deep technologies will determine the strategic haves and have nots of the future. National Security today is an aggregation of myriad attributes; the military is just one part of the pie.”

Jagdeep Dhankhar has repeatedly praised the increased participation of women in Indian Defence forces, grant of permanent commission to women and admission of girls in Sainik Schools.

Keynote Speaker at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue

Jagdeep Dhankhar as Chief Guest delivered the keynote address at the 2023 edition of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) organised by National Maritime Foundation (NMF) in New Delhi. In his address, Jagdeep Dhankhar said the oceans are emerging as the new frontier for global contestation and the Indo-Pacific is facing an explosive global scenario with many cliff-hanging situations. While delivering the keynote address, he supported a free and peaceful rule-based Indo-Pacific region marked by collaborative security and innovative partnerships. He called for a just and effective global regulatory regime that respects the right over EEZ, for the sustainable and equitable exploitation of marine resources and Sea-bed in high seas. In his address he also underlined “You cannot negotiate peace from a position of weakness; you have to be strong on all fundamentals.”

Launch of INS Mahendragiri, Mumbai

On 1st September, 2023, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar blessed the frigate and named it 'Mahendragiri' before it sailed into the waters of the Arabian Sea. During the launch of the warship “Mahendragiri” in Mumbai, Dhankhar lauded the role played by the Indian Navy as a vehicle of peace and goodwill during the crisis and emphasised that India's maritime strength is quintessential for India's economic and strategic upsurge. Underlining India's role as the net security provider in the Indo-Pacific region, Dhankhar referred to INS Vikrant as a symbol of indigenous potential, skills & nation's ambitions to ride over high-tides.

Visit to INS Dega, Visakhapatnam

Dhankhar also visited INS DEGA on his visit to Visakhapatnam.

Inauguration of International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024, Visakhapatnam

Vice-president, Dhankhar presided over the inauguration of International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024 in Visakhapatnam. In his address he cautioned that unilateral actions & disregard for international law can jeopardise the security & stability of the entire region. Referring to the recent challenges to the global rule based order and supply chain disruptions, Vice-president stated that Bharat believes in respecting the boundaries and fostering a rules based maritime order and opined that India's maritime strength will be critical to the aim of Viksit Bharat @2047. “We believe that scrupulous adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is imperative, essential and the only way for the peaceful coexistence and sustainable use of maritime resources.” he further added in his address.

Visits to Sainik Schools, Rashtriya Military School and NCC Republic Day Camp

Once an NCC cadet at Sainik School, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Jagdeep Dhankhar enjoys interacting with young and dynamic Sainik School and NCC cadets. He has visited Sainik Schools in Chittorgarh and Jhunjhunu and has inaugurated NCC Republic day camp 2023 and 2024. He has also interacted with cadets from Sainik School Ghorakhal in Parliament House.

In his interactions he has lauded the significant contribution of both these organisations in nation building through character building and inculcating lifelong discipline in young minds. He says, NCC Cadets represent India's unity in diversity. He lauds the recent step of admission of girls in Sainik Schools and calls for establishment of more and more Sainik Schools so that quality education and a disciplined, healthy lifestyle can be imparted to the youth of this nation. NCC creates awareness amongst youth about the diverse heritage of our country and fosters national integration despite linguistic, cultural, religious and geographical barriers. NCC develops a spirit of working in tandem and togetherness, says Dhankhar. In the NCC there is organic development of Ethics and social values, the spirit of unity and value of personal sacrifice.  He stresses that NCC is a trained human reservoir to give selfless service to society and be available anytime for any national cause. “NCC can be described as the nation's disciplined, trained and motivated young force available for national service,” stresses Dhankhar.

Promoting the Culture and Heritage of Bharat

Vice-President Dhankhar has reiterated the significance of India’s rich cultural heritage, and its 5000 year-old civilisational ethos. During his tenure as Vice-President, Dhankhar has visited all corners of India, and underlined the diversity of the country which makes it “unique and unparalleled on the global stage”. Dhankhar has also emphasised that the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (to treat the world as one family) represents the core value of our civilisational ethos.

Dhankhar has repeatedly underscored the importance of Yoga, referring to it as 'gift of Bharat to the world'. He led the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh in 2023. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dhankhar emphasised that Yoga is not for a single special day or occasion, it should be an integral aspect of people’s daily lives. He noted that Yoga brings about the unity of body, mind and soul, and this ancient science not just focuses on the welfare of individuals, but also the well-being of entire humanity. He also expressed his appreciation for the energy and enthusiasm with which countries across the world have been participating in celebrating International Day of Yoga.

Referring to Bharat’s long civilizational history and rich cultural heritage, Dhankhar has underlined that most of the tourist places in the country have a deep connection with Indian history, folk arts and ancient texts. On the occasion of World Tourism Day (27 September, 2022), Dhankhar described India as “heaven for tourism” and asked the Indians to explore domestic tourist destinations first before looking at international travel.

Dhankhar inaugurated the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival at Kohima. Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, Dhankhar said, "I salute tribal culture. I salute tribal energy…. India is a land of culture & Indians are proud of their tribal culture".

At the inauguration of the 36^th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Faridabad, he urged everyone to consider locally produced handicraft items when looking for gifts to their friends and relatives. He underscored that such an approach would not only help in conservation of many unique art forms but also enhance the economic condition of talented Indian artisans & craftsmen.

Addressing a gathering after conferring the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards in New Delhi on 16 September, 2023, Dhankhar expressed his happiness in honouring the individuals whose contributions uphold the cultural heritage and pride of the nation. He also lauded the resplendent display of Indian culture on the global stage during the G-20 summit, and expressed confidence that with right leadership in place, India will reach its pinnacle on the global stage in 2047.

Dhankhar’s emphasis on highlighting India’s cultural wealth has also touched upon India’s rich linguistic heritage. Noting that any language survives only when it is used by the society and literature is composed in it, Dhankhar has expressed the need to increase Sanskrit usage in our daily lives. Addressing the third convocation of National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, Dhankhar described Sanskrit as a cultural anchor for human civilization in a storm, emphasising that “in today's whirlwind, Sanskrit offers a unique solace: intellectual rigour, spiritual serenity, and a deeper connection to oneself and the world.” Dhankhar remarked that Sanskrit is the language of divinity and serves as a sacred bridge in our pursuit of spirituality and the quest to connect with the divine. Describing Sanskrit as the treasure house of our cultural heritage, he called its preservation and promotion of national priority and duty.

One of Vice-President Dhankhar’s key messages has been that of pride in tricolour. He has always called upon citizens “to be proud Indians and always keep the nation first”. Addressing countrymen on national days such as Republic Day and Independence Day, Dhankhar asked the people to remember and pay tribute to those valiant freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice brought us freedom.

Dhankhar has visited and offered prayers for the well-being of the nation and its people at various temples across the length and breadth of India, from the Kedarnath and Badrinath Temples in the north to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the south, from the Dilwara Temple in the West to the Kamakhya Temple in the East.

He greets the nation on festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Buddha Purnima, Navroz, Eid, Christmas Eve, and shares the joy and festive spirit with people of all communities and cultures. He has also participated in Dussehra celebrations at Lal Qila Maidan in New Delhi after taking over as the Vice-President of India.

Dhankhar has also spoken extensively on India’s treasure trove of medicinal knowledge. On 1^st December, 2023, Dhankhar inaugurated the 5th Global Ayurveda Festival in Thiruvananthapuram and underlined the role of Ayurveda as an ‘affordable, non-invasive, efficacious and wholesome solution’ amidst the surge in modern day non-communicable and lifestyle diseases. He noted that Ayurveda is much beyond treating ailments as it encompasses a comprehensive approach to wellness and well-being. As a proponent of traditional systems of medicine, he has emphasised that “wider use of traditional Systems of Medicine will help India move towards meeting the goal of universal healthcare by improving access and delivery in remote areas.”

Dhankhar has also expressed the need for a harmonious relationship between ancient medicinal wisdom of Ayurveda, Siddha and modern medical sciences. “We had forgotten the reservoir of wealth that India had in health management. It is soothing to note that these are being globally recognised today on a wide scale,” he has noted.

Interactions with Civil Servants and Karmayogis

As the Vice-President of India, Shri Dhankhar has actively engaged with Civil Servants from various profiles. He has stressed on multiple occasions that civil servants as karma yogis play a crucial role in the development and administration of our country, making them pivotal in transforming policies into practical action.

In his speeches, Dhankhar has been extremely vocal about the role that Civil Servants and bureaucrats play in Bharat’s formidable rise, especially as India progresses to the Centenary Year Celebrations of its independence in 2047. Often terming Civil Servants as the “foot - soldiers of Bharat@2047”, Dhankhar states that “Civil Servants must always place the highest priority on the welfare of the public. Their primary duty is to serve the people and to ensure that every action is taken in public interest.”

Dhankhar has always stressed that for Civil Servants, certain values such as commitment to public welfare, transparency and accountability, ethics and integrity, adaptability and innovation along with capacity building are of great significance. These themes reflect his broader vision of building a robust, ethical and people - centric civil service that can drive India’s development agenda forward.

Addressing the nation on the Inauguration of Civil Services day 2023, Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded the saturation approach of the services where benefits were accrued by the antyodaya, the last man in the queue. This, according to him, would not have been possible without “the passion, mission, commitment and direction” of the services.

As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar has played a crucial role in bringing the two key organs of governance - the legislature and the executive together. The first of its kind, Capacity Building Program for Officers of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Ministries and Departments of the Government of India at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration,Mussoorie was spearheaded by Dhankhar.

In his recent address to Assistant Secretaries of IAS 2022 batch, Dhankhar underscored that Civil Servants cannot ingratiate with political dispensations. Acknowledging the capability and competence of the Indian Bureaucracy to deliver, the Vice-President called upon the officers to adopt nationalistic and federalist outlook and keep the interest of nation and rule of law above all. Dhankhar termed Civil Servants as an inspiration and motivation for young minds and termed them as “conveyance of change and vital stakeholders in quality governance” by being “torchbearers for accelerated growth”.

Dhankhar has commended the representative nature of bureaucracy, noted its ability to cut across societal segments and incorporate those especially from the vulnerable, marginalised and underprivileged backgrounds.

Dhankhar believes that Civil Servants are “especially ordained by the constitution to bring about change.” His views on Civil Servants reflect a deep respect for their role in governance and a strong belief in the bureaucracy as the steel frame of our nation. His contributions have helped shape a narrative that promotes ethical conduct, innovative thinking and steadfast commitment to public service among Indian Civil Servants across services.

Message on Environment Protection

One of the defining aspects of Dhankhar's tenure as Vice-President has been his unwavering commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource use. He firmly believes that humanity's relationship with nature should be one of harmony and respect, not exploitation.

Dhankhar has consistently emphasised that the utilisation of natural resources must be optimum. He argues that reckless use of these resources cannot be permitted, regardless of an individual's financial capacity. He has asserted, time and again, that no individual has the right to use energy, gas, petroleum, or water merely because they can afford it. Instead, everyone should resolve to use natural resources wisely and optimally.

He believes that every person on the planet is obligated to act as a trustee, ensuring the frugal and responsible use of natural resources.

The Vice-President has also highlighted the global nature of environmental challenges. He states, "The world is faced with massive challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. These issues impact populations across national borders. We must come together to act collectively to stem this slide to imminent disaster."

Key Events and Statements

As Vice-President, Dhankhar has participated in numerous events with environment and ecology at its centre. These include:

TERI's World Sustainable Development Summit 2024: On 7th February 2024, Dhankhar acknowledged the unprecedented challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. He called for bold and decisive action and urged global leaders to mainstream environmental protection and climate justice. He highlighted India's rich tradition of sustainable practices as a guiding light for the world.

4th National Water Awards 2023: On 17th June 2023, Dhankhar called for reinvigorating traditional water harvesting structures like johads (ponds) and emphasised the importance of the "3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle."

International Conference on Dam Safety: He described dams as “silent sentinels” crucial for ensuring access to water and underscored the need to resolve inter-state water disputes.

United Nations Forum on Forests: He emphasised India's status as one of the world's most biodiverse countries, noting its success in increasing forest and tree cover while maintaining rapid economic growth.

Environmental Initiatives

One of the most notable initiatives of Dhankhar during his tenure as Vice-President has been that of planting saplings at every venue he graces during events, whether within the national capital or during his outstation tours. He has consistently urged Members of Parliament to plant trees in their constituencies, promoting a greener and more sustainable environment.

On World Environment Day 2024, Vice-President Dhankhar delivered a powerful message underscoring the importance of harmony between humanity and nature. He stated:

“Harmony between humanity and nature is the very foundation of sustainable living. Our civilizational ethos guides us in living a life of harmony with nature. On this occasion of great significance, let us pledge to embrace the principles of sustainability, and reaffirm our commitment towards preserving Mother Earth.”

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s dedication to environmental stewardship underscores the need for responsible resource management and a sustainable future for all.

Focus on Science and Technology

Dhankhar takes keen interest in the latest developments in the fields of science & technology. An ardent advocate of adopting technology for promotion of good governance and ease of doing business, he has frequently spoken about the use of technology for public good. He also observed that India is among the frontline countries when it comes to undertaking research in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Machine Learning, green hydrogen and 6G.

Noting the transformational potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dhankhar remarked that the world is on the cusp of technological revolution and stressed that AI will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and interact with each other. Describing it as an opportunity as well as a challenge, Dhankhar hailed the emergence of AI as one of the most significant production shifts since the industrial revolution.

Lauding India’s Space Sector

With regard to India’s achievement in the space sector, Dhankhar lauded the scientists and engineers at ISRO for the historic launch of India’s moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 and inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1. He asserted that the extraordinary feat highlights the advancement the country has made in space science & research. He drew attention to the fact that the success of Chandrayaan-3 has established India as the first country to achieve a soft landing on the moon's South Pole. With this achievement, India has become a member of the Artemis Accords, the U.S. led multilateral initiative to place humans on the moon by 2025. He underscored that India's space program has witnessed the transition from dependence on foreign launch vehicles to achieving complete self-reliance with indigenous launch capabilities. India has not only developed the capacity to launch its own satellites but has also extended its services to launch satellites for other countries.

Launch of Warship ‘Mahendragiri’

On 1^st September, 2023, Dhankhar presided over the launch of Warship ‘Mahendragiri’, the last of the seven-warships of the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates under Project-17A in Mumbai and described it as “an apt testament to the incredible progress our nation has made in building a self-reliant naval force”. Praising Navy’s resolute commitment to Atma-Nirbharta, he also appreciated the significant role of micro, small and medium enterprises in the construction of the Warship mentioning that “75% of the orders for equipment and systems of the Nilgiri class have been made to indigenous firms.” He expressed hope that “Mahendragiri, once commissioned, will proudly fly the Tiranga across the oceans, as an ambassador of India’s maritime might.” Highlighting the important role of women officers, Dhankhar underlined the fact that starting from the establishment of Short Service Commission in 1992, women at present are integrated into all branches, cadres, and specialisations of defence forces. “We are an example to the world, with the kind of assignment that women are handling,” he added.

Inaugural ceremony of 150^th year celebrations of Indian Meteorological Department:

On 15^th January, 2024, Dhankhar said, “IMD has a crucial role to play in embracing and utilising cutting-edge technology for the benefit of our nation.” He further urged IMD to consistently adopt and integrate innovations in order to “solidify its position as a global leader.” Highlighting the rising threat of climate change, Dhankhar stressed that IMD must remain at the forefront of disaster reduction by harvesting technology through public-private partnerships and research collaborations in order to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day 2023

On 10^th April, 2023, Dhankhar referred to homoeopathy as a form of treatment that has a rich history spanning over two centuries and mentioned that in the last few years in India, it is being nurtured and has become a significant factor to the health apparatus and mechanism.[3] He also highlighted homoeopathy’s role during the COVID pandemic mentioning that in his capacity as the Governor of West Bengal, he had witnessed distribution of homoeopathy kits to COVID warriors, which were found to be very effective and impactful. Dhankhar also underlined the fact that in India, over 220 crore COVID vaccine doses had been administered and every vaccination certificate was digitally mapped and was available on an individual's mobile.

Chancellor of Universities

As the Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar is the ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University, University of Delhi, Pondicherry University and Visitor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal.

On 24^th February, 2024, Dhankhar presided over the 100th Annual Convocation of the University of Delhi. He exhorted the graduating students to continue their pursuit of knowledge beyond their degrees. “You are ever to engage in learning, learning is life-long and that is our commitment to humanity,” he stressed.

On 23^rd December, 2023, Dhankhar was the Chief Guest at the Global Alumni Summit 2023 of Panjab University, where he noted that the alumni of Panjab University have excelled in every field globally. The University has produced the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the country, Chief Justice of the High Court, Chief Justice of Supreme Court, Judges, scientists, bureaucrats and entrepreneurs, he elaborated.

Dhankhar was the Chief Guest at the 70th Annual Convocation of Panjab University, Chandigarh, held on 20^th May, 2023. During the ceremony, he conferred the Honoris Causa (Doctor of Literature) on noted educator and philanthropist, Dr Sudha N. Murty and Honoris Causa (Doctor of Laws) on the former Chief Justice of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha),  Shri Ranjan Gogoi. During his visit, he also held separate meetings with Senate Members, Syndicate Members, Students’ Union, Teachers Association and the Non-Teachers’ Association of Panjab University.

On 28^th January, 2024, Vice-President Dhankhar interacted with students of Pondicherry University on the theme “VIKSIT BHARAT@2047. Referring to the students as ‘architects of Bharat’, Dhankhar urged them to always believe in Bhartiyata, always take pride in their nation and to be proud Indians.

Addressing the 4^th Convocation ceremony of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication as its Chief Guest on 15^th September, 2023, Dhankhar remarked that journalism is not a business, it is a social service. Journalists are the last sentinels of press freedom and a huge responsibility rests on their shoulders in a democracy, he said.

Chairman, Rajya Sabha

Key Initiatives as Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Gender Equality in Panel of Vice-Chairpersons

Vice-President Dhankhar has been a strong advocate for gender equality. Before the commencement of the 260th Session of Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar reconstituted the panel for Vice-Chairpersons which, for the first time in the history of the Upper House, included equal representation of women. The panel consisted of eight members, with four women, all of whom were first-term Parliamentarians.

He further reconstituted the panel of Vice-Chairpersons to include 17 women members of the Rajya Sabha for the day when the Rajya Sabha discussed the Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Bill, 2023. This move was a significant step towards ensuring better representation of women in parliamentary proceedings. The women members nominated to the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons included:

• Shrimati P. T. Usha (श्रीमती पी. टी. उषा)
• Shrimati S. Phangnon Konyak (श्रीमती एस. फांगनोन कोन्याक)
• Shrimati Jaya Bachchan (श्रीमती जया बच्चन)
• Ms. Saroj Pandey (सुश्री सरोज पांडे)
• Shrimati Rajani Ashokrao Patil (श्रीमती रजनी अशोकराव पाटिल)
• Dr. Fauzia Khan (डॉ. फौजिया खान)
• Ms. Dola Sen (सुश्री डोला सेन)
• Ms. Indu Bala Goswami (सुश्री इंदु बाला गोस्वामी)
• Dr. Kanimozhi NVN Somu (डॉ. कनिमोझी एनवीएन सोमू)
• Ms. Kavita Patidar (सुश्री कविता पाटीदार)
• Shrimati Mahua Maji (श्रीमती महुआ माजी)
• Dr. Kalpana Saini (डॉ. कल्पना सैनी)
• Shrimati Sulata Deo (श्रीमती सुलता देव)
• Shrimati Mamta Mohanta (श्रीमती ममता मोहंता)
• Shrimati Sumitra Balmik (श्रीमती सुमित्रा बाल्मिक)
• Shrimati Kanta Kardam (श्रीमती कांता कर्दम)
• Shrimati Geeta Alias Chandraprabha (श्रीमती गीता उर्फ चंद्र प्रभा)

Increased Representation of Women

Dhankhar has taken measures to increase the representation of women from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat in the Table Office. This move aims to ensure a more inclusive and balanced working environment within the Parliamentary framework.

Paperless Functioning

Emphasising the need for modernization and environmental sustainability, Vice-President Dhankhar has promoted paperless functioning within the Rajya Sabha. Under Dhankhar's leadership, the Rajya Sabha has embraced digital transformation, becoming fully paperless. The Rajya Sabha Chair now utilises electronic tablets for all matters related to the conduct of business in the House, members’ attendance, and other relevant information. The messages from Chairman, Rajya Sabha to the Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha are communicated electronically while the House is in Session.

Rajya Sabha Internship Programme

During Dhankhar’s tenure as Chairman, Rajya Sabha, a nomination-based internship programme has been started with an aim to bring the functioning of Parliament closer to the youth by providing them an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the overall functioning of Parliament at the macro level and the Rajya Sabha Secretariat at the micro level so that they can equip themselves to help Parliamentarians. The nomination of interns is done in a manner that ensures equitable representation of Indian States.

Birthday Greetings

As Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar extends birthday greetings to the Hon’ble Members of Parliament on behalf of the House and fosters a sense of camaraderie in the Parliament.

Transition from Samvidhan Sadan to New Building of Parliament

Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the joint session of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the Central Hall of Parliament on September 19, 2023. This was done to commemorate the rich legacy of the Indian Parliament as members bid adieu to the historic building before moving to the New Parliament Building.

In his address, Vice-President Dhankhar lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for fructifying a “Tryst with Modernity” for over a billion hearts. He poignantly quoted this moment as transitioning “From a ‘Tryst with Destiny’ to a ‘Tryst with Modernity’.”

He described the new Parliament building as not merely an architectural marvel but a symbol of India's rich cultural diversity, national pride, unity, and identity. “The new structure signifies the dawn of #AatmanirbharBharat (self-reliant India), reflecting the nation's aspirations and progress,” Dhankhar said.

G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) - 2023

On 14 October 2023, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar hosted a luncheon for delegates from participating nations at the Ninth G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. This summit was one of the key events held as part of India’s yearlong Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20). Its focus was on fostering interparliamentary cooperation and discussing a wide range of contemporary global issues.

During the event, Vice-President Dhankhar interacted with several distinguished delegates, including H.E. Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The discussions primarily focused on the significance of interparliamentary cooperation and the pivotal role of the IPU in providing a platform for parliamentarians to address a wide array of contemporary issues.

Dhankhar received several prominent parliamentary delegations on the sidelines of the P20 summit, including:

• Türkiye: Led by H.E. Mr. Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the National Assembly.
• Russia: Led by H.E. Ms. Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia.
• Australia: The delegation included Senator Sue Lines, President of the Senate, and H.E. Mr. Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
• Sultanate of Oman: Represented by H.E. Shaikh Abdulmalik Al Khalili, Chairman of Majlis A’ Dwala (State Council).

Address to the State Legislatures

Jagdeep Dhankhar, in his capacity as the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, has addressed the following State Legislatures as the Chief Guest:

• Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
• Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly
• Mizoram Legislative Assembly
• State Legislature of Maharashtra
• State Legislature of Kerala

During these addresses, he emphasized the crucial role of legislators in understanding and addressing the needs of the people and maintaining vigilance over government activities.

Guiding Principles and Insights

Jagdeep Dhankahr emphasizes that legislators should approach their duties with clarity and precision. In his address, he stated, "Legislators should understand the people's issues like a telescope and keep an eye on the government like a microscope." This metaphor underscores their dual responsibility: staying deeply connected with constituents' concerns while ensuring rigorous oversight of government actions.

Drawing inspiration from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Dhankhar reminded the legislators, "You should be Indian first, Indian last, and nothing else but Indian." This call for unity and national pride serves as a guiding principle for those in public service, emphasising the importance of national interest above everything else.

Democracy, Decorum, and Discipline

Dhankhar highlighted that decorum and discipline are the heart and soul of democracy. He pointed out that the strength of democracy lies in the diversity of opinions and the ability to find common ground through constructive engagement. By fostering an environment of respect and open dialogue, legislators can ensure that democracy thrives.

He also referenced the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution, adorned with 22 exquisite illustrations reflecting the nation's rich cultural and ethical heritage. One notable image in the section on the Directive Principles of State Policy features Lord Krishna imparting the Gita's wisdom to Arjuna at Kurukshetra, underscoring duty and moral governance. These timeless images reinforce the principles of justice, duty and integrity essential for our democracy.

Embracing Technology for National Progress

The Vice-President also underscored the critical role of technology in advancing the nation. He highlighted the importance of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Quantum Computing, describing them as pivotal for societal progress. He praised government initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission, which promotes sustainable development and reduces our carbon footprint. Embracing these technological advancements is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring a greener, more prosperous Bharat.

Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability

Dhankhar emphasized the essential role of Members of Parliament and State legislators in shaping democracy. He urged them to uphold high ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in public service. By leading with integrity and prioritizing the welfare of citizens, legislators can strengthen the trust placed in them by the people. Their commitment to these principles is vital for the health and vitality of India's democratic system.

See also

• List of governors of West Bengal
• 2022 Indian vice presidential election