Vice President Dhankhar warns against charity influencing faith, urges caution

Mandya – Karnataka: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar cautioned against using charity to influence the faith of beneficiaries, emphasizing that assistance to the needy should come with no strings attached to safeguard democracy’s integrity.

Charity should be unconditional

Addressing students at Adichunchanagiri University in Karnataka, Dhankhar stressed that charity should never put freedom of faith at risk. “When charity influences the faith of the needy, it threatens the democratic spirit and constitutional values,” he remarked.

India’s inclusivity as a global model

Dhankhar highlighted India’s civilizational ethos, pointing to the country’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity. He stated, “India doesn’t need lessons on inclusivity; our culture has embraced it for over 5,000 years,” underscoring this philosophy as a pathway to global peace.

Religious institutions’ role in crisis response

Dhankhar praised the role of religious institutions during crises, such as COVID-19, where they supported government efforts to aid society. The Adichunchanagiri Math, he noted, exemplifies this through its extensive educational outreach, including schools for the differently-abled and assistance to marginalized communities.

Caution for youth against disinformation

Dhankhar advised students to be vigilant against misinformation, warning that disinformation “is injurious to national health.” He encouraged the youth to counter these divisive tendencies and instead harness opportunities in diverse sectors as India continues to expand its influence.

Ideal setting for learning and growth

Praising the vision of the Adichunchanagiri Math, Dhankhar called the university’s location an “ideal Aranyak” for modern learning, describing it as a setting that fosters talent and intellectual pursuits in the foothills of Karnataka.

Dignitaries in attendance

Prominent attendees included former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, Jagadguru Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, and Adichunchanagiri University Vice Chancellor MA Shekhar, among other dignitaries.