Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of equality of all human beings regardless of caste and creed inspired the Constitution of India, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar said on Saturday while inaugurating the two-day Sadbhavana Conference in New Delhi, marking the 90th Foundation Day of Harijan Sevak Sangh, which was founded by Mr. Gandhi in 1932.
Mr. Dhankar said that the Gandhian ideals animate the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of the Constitution, adding that the Mahatma's teachings will remain eternally relevant to humanity.
While inaugurating the conference, the Vice-President also paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation and Acharya Vinoba Bhave.
Referring to Mr. Gandhi's motivation for founding the Harijan Sevak Sangh, Mr. Dhankar said the Indian freedom struggle was more than just a political movement. “It was a call for social unity and political freedom,” he said.
Quoting the Mahatma, the Vice-President said that untouchability was not an inherent part of Hinduism and that human fraternity, people's welfare and well-being of the last person in society have been "cornerstones of Indian culture".
“Gandhi ji’s philosophy was anchored in the age-old teaching of ‘ Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the entire world is one single family," he said, adding, “The same Gandhian ideals have found expression in the government’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’. This is not a political commitment, it’s a national commitment.”
“It is gratifying to note that, in recent years an ecosystem of consensus with Gandhian Philosophy has emerged. This is ensuring full exploitation of the potential and talent of all, particularly of marginalized”, Mr. Dhankhar said.
He also paid tribute to the thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, recalling his quote on how social democracy was imperative for the survival of political democracy. "Marginalised sections of society have been empowered as a result of the government’s determined efforts in recent years and, therefore, social democracy can now be seen on the ground,” he said.
Mr. Dhankar complimented the Harijan Sevak Sangh for living up to the ideals of Gandhi ji and conveyed his best wishes for its future endeavours, suggesting that the organisation should become the "nerve centre" of the Gandhian thought. "I am prepared to serve as a foot soldier of this great establishment," he said.
