Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while addressing students at IIT Hyderabad, emphasized India’s linguistic diversity, the role of alumni in strengthening institutions, and the need for corporate investment in research and innovation. His speech touched upon the rich heritage of Indian languages, the significance of alumni contributions in global universities, and the strategic importance of research-driven development.

India’s Rich Linguistic Heritage: A Goldmine of Knowledge

The Power of Indian Languages

Highlighting India’s diverse linguistic culture, Vice President Dhankhar called it a "land of rich languages", where languages such as Sanskrit, Bangla, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada hold deep historical and cultural significance.

He emphasized that:

• Inclusivity in language is an essential part of India’s civilizational ethos.
• Parliament ensures simultaneous translation in 22 languages, reflecting the country’s linguistic diversity.
• Languages are a goldmine of literature, carrying centuries of knowledge and wisdom from texts like the Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita.
• The recognition of classical languages is a matter of national pride, and nurturing them will expand their global outreach.

Language as a Unifying Force

The Vice President questioned the need for linguistic confrontation in Bharat, urging people to see language as a tool of unity rather than division. He stressed that India should celebrate its multilingual heritage rather than engage in disputes over linguistic supremacy.

Role of Alumni in Strengthening Educational Institutions

The Global Standard: Massive Alumni Endowments

Drawing attention to global universities, Dhankhar noted that:

• Top institutions have endowment funds nearing $50 billion, helping them maintain excellence in education and research.
• Indian institutions lack similar financial backing despite having strong alumni networks.

Building a Culture of Alumni Contributions

He encouraged Indian alumni to give back to their institutions, stating:

• The amount donated is not important; rather, it is the spirit of contribution that matters.
• Contributions create a sense of connection and pride among alumni.
• A strong alumni support system can help Indian institutes become world-class centers of learning and innovation.

Proposal for a Confederation of Alumni Associations

Dhankhar proposed an innovative idea:

• A national-level confederation of alumni associations for top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and other premier institutes.
• This think tank could contribute to policy-making, research, and innovation.
• The initiative could place Indian educational institutions on a global benchmark for excellence.

Corporate Investment in Research and Innovation

The Need for Private Sector Involvement

Dhankhar urged corporate leaders to actively invest in research and innovation, stating that:

• India’s corporate sector must step up its role in funding developmental and technological advancements.
• This investment is not just for students or institutes but for India’s present and future.

Competing with Global Giants

Encouraging Indian businesses to match their Western counterparts, he said:

• Western companies invest heavily in research, and Indian corporates must follow suit.
• Investment in technology and innovation is crucial for India’s global competitiveness.

The Role of Research in Diplomacy and Defense

Highlighting the changing nature of global power dynamics, Dhankhar stated that:

• Traditional warfare has shifted; diplomacy, technology, and innovation now define power.
• Research and innovation provide India with a strategic edge, making it a strong player in global affairs.
• India must prioritize scientific advancements to remain a formidable force in international diplomacy.

Conclusion

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s speech at IIT Hyderabad emphasized three major themes:

1. The importance of preserving and promoting India’s linguistic heritage.
2. The need for alumni contributions to elevate Indian institutions to global standards.
3. The vital role of corporate investment in research and innovation to strengthen India’s global standing.

By encouraging language inclusivity, alumni endowments, and research-driven progress, he presented a vision for a stronger, self-reliant India that values its past while investing in its future.

FAQs

1. What did Vice President Dhankhar say about Indian languages?

He highlighted India’s linguistic diversity, stating that languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, Bangla, and Hindi are a goldmine of knowledge and should be nurtured.

2. Why did he emphasize alumni contributions?

He pointed out that top global universities have endowment funds worth billions, and Indian institutions need similar alumni support to achieve world-class excellence.

3. What was his proposal for alumni associations?

He suggested creating a confederation of alumni associations for IITs, IIMs, and other institutions to act as a think tank for research and policymaking.

4. Why does India need more corporate investment in research?

Dhankhar emphasized that corporates must invest in R&D to help India compete with global giants and strengthen its strategic position in innovation and diplomacy.

5. How does research contribute to diplomacy and defense?

He stated that traditional warfare has evolved, and scientific research now plays a key role in shaping global influence and national security.