Birth Does Not Define a Person, Character Does: Vice-President

NEW DELHI: The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday said that birth does not determine whether an individual is good or bad, stressing that it is character that truly defines a person. He was addressing a gathering at the historic Gandhi Ashram during a visit to the Harijan Sevak Sangh, where he inaugurated the Mahadev Desai Library Extension.

Describing libraries as enduring instruments of social transformation, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said the expansion of the Mahadev Desai Library was not merely the addition of physical space but a reaffirmation of faith in knowledge as a catalyst for social change.

During his visit, the Vice-President also toured the Kasturba Museum within the Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi stayed during their visits to Delhi in the 1930s and 1940s. He said walking through the Ashram, including the simple home and kitchen used by Kasturba Ba, was a deeply emotional experience and a reminder of the austere lives led by India’s leaders, rooted in simplicity, sacrifice and unwavering determination.

Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s personal transformation, the Vice-President recalled how Gandhiji’s decision to give up Western attire followed his encounter with the poverty of Indian farmers, including an incident at Madurai railway station, where he resolved to wear only a loincloth or dhoti. He said this choice symbolised Gandhiji’s lifelong commitment to identifying with the masses and working for their upliftment. He also highlighted Gandhiji’s advocacy of swadeshi, noting his opposition to Indian cotton being processed abroad and sold back to Indians.

Describing the Harijan Sevak Sangh as a seed planted by Mahatma Gandhi, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said its work had yielded lasting results by helping the nation confront social evils such as untouchability through education, awareness and service.

Recalling the life of former President of India Shri K. R. Narayanan, the Vice-President said the Harijan Sevak Sangh played a crucial role in supporting his education and shaping his journey. He expressed confidence that the Sangh would continue to nurture individuals of character and conscience, adding that sincere service to society produces exemplary citizens.

Emphasising the reciprocal relationship between individuals and society, he said while people often overlook how society shapes them, every individual has a duty to give back. Service to society, he added, is both a moral responsibility and a pathway to nation-building.

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

During the programme, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan 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.

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