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Bhopal, Nov 21 (IANS) There was laughter at Bhopal’s Rabindra Bhawan on Friday evening when former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, with excellent comic timing, warned the audience, “God, don’t fall into the trap of description – there is a big problem with narration!”
As the hall began to roar, he stopped dramatically, raised his hand, flashed his trademark smile and clarified, “I’m not giving up!” The self-deprecating punchline – a playful nod to his own stormy Rajya Sabha days – brought the house down.
Friday was the occasion of the release of the thoughtful book “Hum aur Ye Vishwa” by senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh official and co-government leader Dr. Manmohan Vaidya.
Speaking about the book, the former Vice President said: “The book explains the concepts of Rashtra Dharma, Nyaya (Justice) and affirms that a renewed India based on these principles and currently growing like never before in recent times, is indispensable for global peace and harmony… The book reveals the true Hindu spirit, spiritually rooted in compassionate inclusive and harmonious diversity and committed to the service of society, humanity and our motherland Mother India.”
He then received applause by saying that this book has come at the most opportune time – the centenary celebrations of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh).
The former vice president, looking strong and enthusiastic, took center-stage to unveil the book and praise it, which revealed both intellectual depth and his trademark humor.
Describing the work as highly relevant to contemporary times, he said, “This book Hum Aur Ye Vishwa is extremely relevant today. The way Manmohan ji has so beautifully presented the eternal vision of India, our cultural heritage and the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in the current global context – it is truly wonderful.”
With a twinkle in his eyes, Dhankhar took the stage and immediately shocked the packed hall by announcing: “Today I want to speak in English.”
When he explained with his trademark broad smile that the book’s profound global message required a language the entire world could understand, the audience erupted in surprised laughter.
Then came the playful bite: “Those who do not want to understand, those who are bent on spoiling everything at any cost – they still will not understand me… because I am deliberately speaking not in their chosen language but in English.”
The hall burst into applause, the subtext hanging happily in the air.
Speaking deeply, Dhankhar emphasized its contemplative essence: “This is not just a book to be read; it is a medium for deep reflection and reflection. It tells us that India sees the entire world as one family – not as an object of conquest. Unlike the Western approach, our thinking is one of harmony and synthesis, not conflict.”
Praising Dr. Vaidya’s lifelong service, he said, “Dr. Manmohan Vaidya ji has gathered decades of experience as Sa-Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh – and this book is the nectar of that experience.”
The audience, which included intellectuals, RSS workers and fans, hung on every word. Yet the most memorable moment of the evening came when Dhankhar touched on the modern obsession with “kathan.”
This evening was not Dhankhar’s alone.
Senior journalist Vishnu Tripathi, group editor of Dainik Jagran, speaking with quiet authority, situated “Hum Aur Ye Vishwa” within the broader framework of India’s intellectual tradition.
He observed that Dr. Vaidya’s book was not merely a reflection of personal experience, but a crystallization of the civilizational ethos of India.
Tripathi emphasized that the work invites readers to see India not in isolation, but as a guiding light for the world, offering harmony where others see conflict.
His words added scholarly gravitas to the evening, complementing Dhankhar’s humor with reflective depth.
As Dhankhar prepared to end the conversation, his voice became low, almost playful.
“I think I have spoken enough today. Today my throat did not open completely… maybe it is the effect of cold or maybe it is the demand of age now.”
Another wave of warm laughter rose around him. Then, in a strong, uplifting tone, he concluded: “But one thing is certain – India is changing. India is waking up. The change that is coming is unstoppable; no one can stop it.”
They concluded with deafening slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai and Vande Mataram.
–IANS
SKTR/PGH