THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 20, 2026

The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday visited the Harijan Sevak Sangh at the historic Gandhi Ashram in New Delhi, where he inaugurated the Mahadev Desai Library Extension, reaffirming the enduring power of knowledge as a catalyst for social change.

The Vice-President also toured the Kasturba Museum within the Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi had stayed during their visits to Delhi in the 1930s and 1940s. Describing the experience as deeply emotional, he said that walking through the Ashram, including the simple home and kitchen used by Kasturba Ba, served as a powerful reminder of the austere lives led by India’s leaders—defined by simplicity, sacrifice and unwavering determination.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said the inauguration of the Mahadev Desai Library extension was not merely the expansion of a physical space, but a reaffirmation of the belief that knowledge remains the most enduring instrument of social transformation.

Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s personal transformation, he recalled how Gandhiji’s decision to abandon Western attire was shaped by his encounter with the poverty of Indian farmers, including at Madurai railway station, where he resolved to wear only Loincloth or Dhoti. He said this change symbolised Gandhiji’s lifelong commitment to identifying with the masses and working for their upliftment. The Vice-President also referred to Gandhiji’s advocacy of swadeshi, noting how he opposed India’s cotton being processed in Manchester and sold back to Indians, and instead championed Swadeshi.

Describing the Harijan Sevak Sangh as a seed planted by Mahatma Gandhi, the Vice-President said its work has borne lasting fruit by helping the nation overcome social evils such as untouchability through education, awareness and service. He emphasised that birth does not determine whether an individual is good or bad; it is character that defines a person.

Recalling the life of former President of India K. R. Narayanan, the Vice-President noted that the Harijan Sevak Sangh had played a pivotal role in supporting his education and shaping his journey. He expressed confidence that the Sangh would continue to nurture many more such exemplary individuals in the future, adding that sincere service to society creates individuals of character and conscience.

Highlighting the reciprocal relationship between the individual and society, the Vice-President said that while individuals often overlook the role society plays in shaping them, every individual has a duty to give back. He underlined that service to society is both a moral obligation and a pathway to nation-building.

The Vice-President also lauded Gujarat’s contribution to the nation, expressing gratitude for three towering personalities it has given India — Mahatma Gandhi for the nation’s freedom, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for national unity, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the country’s development.

During the programme, the Vice-President released the book “Age of Enlightenment: Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision”, authored by Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, for the Gandhian fraternity. He also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Thakkar Bapa and Vinoba Bhave.

Among those present on the occasion were Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, President, Harijan Sevak Sangh; Naresh Yadav, former Member of Parliament and Vice President, Harijan Sevak Sangh; Laxmi Dass, former Chairman, KVIC and Vice President, Harijan Sevak Sangh; and other dignitaries.