Every citizen must become change agents in building a more empathetic, caring and harmonious society: Vice President

The Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that every citizen must become change agents in building a more empathetic, caring and harmonious society. He was addressing the gathering after presenting the Jamnalal Bajaj Awards – 2018, in Mumbai today. The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. Vidyasagar Rao, the Minister for Higher and Technical Education of Maharashtra, Shri Vinod Tawde and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that Jamnalal Ji’s life and works inspire the younger generation in bringing about reforms and changes in the mindset of people. He appreciated the organizers for felicitating four eminent citizens who have made a difference to the lives of people through their work on environment, disaster mitigation, women and children’s welfare and promotion of peace and non-violence.

Shri Naidu also lauded the contributions of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj and said that he exemplified India’s core philosophy of share and care and strove for women’s empowerment, elimination of untouchability, uplift of the downtrodden and promotion of khadi.

The Vice President said that every citizen of the country must draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and become change agents in building a more empathetic, caring and harmonious society. Gandhiji’s thoughts are guiding principles for all of us, he added.

The Vice President said that the new generation must be taught about India’s great culture and heritage. There is every need to preserve and protect the culture and traditions of our nation that believes in the core philosophy of Care and Share, he added.

The Vice President said that it is important for every individual to discharge his or her responsibility towards society and the country at large.  He also stressed the need to imbibe the qualities of social responsibility among the citizenry, especially the young.

Shri Naidu said that he was disturbed to learn about the instances of neglect and abuse of the elderly, growing atrocities on women and lack of tolerance to a contrarian viewpoint in the society. He said that such serious social malaises must be tackled in a concerted manner by all the stakeholders – families, communities, NGOs and the government.

The Vice President called for revamp of school curriculum and make it mandatory for children to take part in social service activities. He opined that involvement in social service right from school days would help in inculcating an attitude of sensitivity and empathy among children.

She Naidu also asked private and public sector companies to earmark one day every three months for employees to participate in such activities.

The Vice President presented Jamnalal Bajaj Awards to Gandhian and Social Activist, Shri Dhoom Singh Negi under the ‘Constructive Work’ category, Ms. Rupal Desai and Mr. Rajendra Desai under the ‘Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development’ category, Ms. Prasanna Bhandari under ‘Development and Welfare of Women and Children’ category and Dr. Clayborne Carson from Stanford University for promoting Gandhian values outside India.