New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stated on Sunday that agriculture serves as the backbone of the rural development of the nation, emphasizing that without advancements in agriculture, the vision of a developed nation will remain far-fetched.
"Agriculture is the backbone of rural development. Without its growth, the rural landscape cannot be transformed. Furthermore, if the rural landscape does not evolve, we cannot dream of achieving a developed nation. To reach the status of a developed nation by 2047, we need to increase our income eight times. This is an enormous challenge. However, this challenge can be addressed only when the village economy flourishes. The village economy can thrive when farmers and their families engage in marketing, value addition, and forming clusters to achieve self-sufficiency," the Vice President remarked.
On the same day, Vice President Dhankhar presented the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024, recognizing exceptional contributions in agriculture, rural development, and journalism. During the ceremony, Vice President Dhankhar praised the remarkable legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh, underscoring his unwavering commitment to rural development, farmers' welfare, and inclusive growth, as stated by the Vice President's Secretariat.
In his tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Vice President stated: "Chaudhary Charan Singh was one of the most admirable leaders in the nation. He exemplified transparency, accountability, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to rural development and farmers, always expressing his views fearlessly."
Reflecting on Singh's leadership, Vice President Dhankhar added: “Chaudhary Charan Singh epitomizes greatness, statesmanship, foresight, and inclusive growth. It is no surprise that he became the first Chief Minister of the largest state in the Republic of India and later served as Prime Minister."
Expressing his sorrow over the lack of acknowledgment for Singh's contributions, he noted: "It is disheartening when people overlook the significant contributions of this remarkable individual. His exceptional traits, profound dedication, and deep understanding of rural India are worthy of reflection by enlightened minds globally. As a son of the soil, he was considerate of both rural and urban India, with a vision that resonated with our civilizational values."
While addressing the recipients of the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024, the Vice President discussed India's economic trajectory.
"India is undoubtedly experiencing an unprecedented rise. Our economy is flourishing, and we are currently the fifth largest globally, on the path to becoming the third largest, surpassing Japan and Germany. However, to transition into a developed nation by 2047, our income needs to increase eightfold—a formidable challenge."
In tackling this challenge, Vice President Dhankhar emphasized the necessity of enhancing the village economy.
"The village economy can thrive only when farmers and their families engage in marketing, value addition, and creating clusters that promote self-sufficiency. The largest market we possess is our agricultural products, yet farming communities are seldom involved in it. The government must prioritize the agricultural sector for it to serve as a catalyst for economic growth," he asserted.
The Vice President also highlighted the fundamental nature of democracy, stating: "Expression and dialogue are the essence of democracy. A nation's democratic health is measured by the freedom of expression enjoyed by its individuals and organizations. For democracy to flourish, expression and dialogue must coexist responsibly on both sides."
