India’s foundation lies in Sanatan Dharma: Vice President Dhankhar

Underlining India’s deep spirituality and ancient civilization, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that the country’s foundation lies in Sanatan Dharma. Dhankhar told the people gathered here on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of spiritual guru Srila Prabhupada that India, which has long been a guide to the world through its message of non-violence, peace and brotherhood, will one day become a world leader. He said, “Sanatan means inclusiveness, universal values, patriotism. It also means rising above caste, creed and economic divisions.” Referring to India’s heritage, he said, “No country in the world (except India) has a culture that is 5,000 years old. India has been the spiritual center of the world and we have to maintain this momentum.” Dhankhar also regretted the attacks on famous universities like Nalanda and Takshashila 1,000-1,200 years ago. He said, “We saw unimaginable barbarism, yet we stood up. Now, India is again on the path of development and progress, which is not possible without spiritual development.” Dhankhar also said that the world knows India’s spirituality and civilization because of great personalities like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Chaitanya and Srila Prabhupada. He said, “Bengal is the birthplace of Khudiram Bose and Chittaranjan Das. It is also the birthplace of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, whose guidance has been very important for both the state and the country.