Mumbai: Addressing the Annual Day ceremony of KPB Hinduja College of Commerce in Mumbai, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday called on corporate leaders to view investment in education not merely as charity but as an investment in the nation's present and future, contributing to industrial, business, and trade development.
"Quality education is a gift, and we as a country must strive towards educational excellence," Dhankhar said, adding that education is the most impactful transformative mechanism for fostering equality.
“Education is the concurrent responsibility of the government and the private sector. Those in industry, trade, business, and commerce must come forward and accord the highest priority to education,” he added.
The Vice-President also underscored the need to safeguard India's healthcare and education sectors from commodification and commercialisation, stressing that philanthropic efforts should not be influenced by these trends.
“Philanthropic endeavours should not be driven by philosophy of commodification and commercialisation. Our health and education sectors are being plagued by these,” he said.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: At the Annual Day Function of KPB Hinduja College of Commerce, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar says, "A platform where I have witnessed that by way of philanthropy, it is giving back to the society. It is concurrent responsibility between the government and… pic.twitter.com/wdPJdW8Oys
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Education and technology are key drivers of social transformation, and with the help of technology, rural areas can undergo significant development, the Vice President further emphasised.
Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the ceremony marking 75 Years of K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce in Mumbai, Maharashtra today. @maha_governor @praful_patel @milinddeora @MPLodha @hindujagroup pic.twitter.com/X0N8nWGU99
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Speaking at the event that also marked 75 Years of the Institute, Dhankhar lauded the Hinduja Group for its unwavering commitment to education and philanthropy, highlighting that institutions like KPB Hinduja College have thrived due to sustained philanthropic efforts. He reiterated that philanthropy in education should go beyond charity and contribute to the nation’s overall growth.
Reflecting on India's economic progress, he remarked that the country is currently experiencing a significant upsurge, marked by infrastructural growth, deep digitisation, and technological advancements. He attributed this progress to the people-centric policies implemented over the past decade, which have made India the most aspirational nation in the world today.
He also drew attention to India's historical legacy in education, recalling the glory of ancient institutions such as Odantapuri, Takshila, Vikramshila, Somapura, Nalanda, and Vallabhi, which once attracted scholars from across the world. He lamented the destruction of Nalanda in 1193 by Bakhtiyar Khilji, describing it as an “act of reckless devastation that erased centuries of knowledge”.
"For months, fire consumed vast libraries, turning irreplaceable manuscripts on mathematics, medicine, and philosophy to ash," he said, emphasising the cultural and intellectual loss that the destruction represented.
Calling upon parliamentarians and thought leaders present at the event, the Vice-President stressed upon the need to "monetise every moment of this century." He asserted that reviving institutions like Nalanda is essential to realising the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Dhankhar further stressed the significance of Sanatana in India's civilisational ethos, stating that it stands for inclusivity and should remain a vital part of the nation's culture and education system. He urged the country to stay rooted in these values while pursuing progress.
Expressing gratitude towards the Hinduja Foundation and the Hinduja family for their contributions to education, Dhankhar noted that institutions today flourish beyond just faculty and infrastructure.