An Inexcusable Insult
In a scathing rebuke, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar condemned senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram’s critique of the recently enacted criminal laws, labeling the remarks as an “inexcusable insult to the wisdom of Parliament.” Speaking at the 12th convocation of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram on July 6, 2024, Dhankhar emphasized the gravity of Chidambaram’s comments, which he deemed derogatory and defamatory towards Members of Parliament.
Parliament’s Dignity Defended
Addressing the audience, Dhankhar recounted Chidambaram’s assertion that the new laws were drafted by “part-timers,” a statement he found particularly offensive. “Are we part-timers in Parliament? This is an inexcusable insult to the wisdom of Parliament,” he declared, highlighting the meticulous efforts of parliamentarians in drafting and passing the legislation.
Dhankhar refrained from directly naming Chidambaram but made clear references to the Congress leader’s recent interview with an English daily. He criticized Chidambaram’s absence during the parliamentary debates, noting, “The gentleman did not use his lung power; he gave total rest to his vocal cords while the debate was going on.”
Unshackling Colonial Legacy
The Vice-President lauded the new criminal laws for liberating the nation from its colonial past. He asserted that every Member of Parliament had ample opportunity to contribute during the legislative process, making Chidambaram’s criticism even more unfounded. Dhankhar urged for the retraction of Chidambaram’s “derogatory, defamatory, and highly insulting observations.”
Advancements in Space Exploration
Shifting focus to India’s space sector, Dhankhar extolled the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), describing the industry as undergoing a “thrilling metamorphosis.” He credited ISRO’s success with enhancing India’s diplomatic influence and improving the quality of life for millions. Dhankhar predicted that the coming decades would witness an unprecedented surge in space exploration, with India poised to be a pivotal player due to its robust space program and growing pool of skilled professionals.
Call for Alumni Confederation
Dhankhar proposed the establishment of a confederation of alumni associations from prestigious institutions like IIST, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He argued that such a think tank could significantly influence policy-making and contribute to national progress.
IIST’s Role in Space Industry
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath emphasized the need for IIST to forge stronger connections with the emerging space industry ecosystem in India. He noted that IIST alumni now constitute nearly 15% of ISRO’s workforce, underscoring the institution’s vital role in the country’s space endeavors.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The convocation ceremony saw 290 students receiving their degrees, including 120 BTech degrees, 22 Dual Degrees, 119 MTech/Master of Science degrees, and 29 PhDs. IIST Chancellor B. N. Suresh, Director of IIST and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre V. Narayanan, and IIST Registrar and Dean (Academics) Kuruvilla Joseph also addressed the gathering.
State Reception
Earlier in the day, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed Vice-President Dhankhar and his wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, upon their arrival in Thiruvananthapuram for a two-day visit to the state. The dignitaries’ presence underscored the significance of the Vice-President’s visit and the importance of the convocation ceremony.
Key Learning Points
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Criticism by Chidambaram | Described new criminal laws as drafted by “part-timers” |
| Vice-President’s Response | Labeled remarks as an insult to Parliament’s wisdom |
| New Criminal Laws | Aimed at unshackling the nation from colonial legacy |
| ISRO’s Achievements | Contributed to India’s diplomatic influence and quality of life |
| Space Exploration | Predicted to surge in the coming decades with India as a key player |
| Alumni Confederation Proposal | Suggested to influence policy-making significantly |
| IIST’s Contribution | Noted for its significant role in ISRO’s workforce |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
