Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today attended the 11th Sant Eshwar Samman-2026 as the Chief Guest in New Delhi and presented the Sant Eshwar Seva Samman to individuals and organisations recognised for their exemplary and selfless service to society. Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that the Sant Eshwar Samman is a recognition of the spirit of selfless service and a celebration of India’s culture of compassion and responsibility. He extended his greetings and congratulations to all the awardees for their extraordinary contributions to the nation. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan appreciated the Sant Eshwar Foundation and Rashtriya Sewa Bharati for instituting the awards and sustaining the initiative for 11 consecutive years. He said that by recognising countless individuals who work silently to strengthen society and make the nation more inclusive, the awards motivate others to follow the path of Seva.
Highlighting the timeless Indian tradition of service, the Vice-President said, “Our civilisational ethos has always taught us, ‘Nar Seva is Narayana Seva’.” He noted that the great saints and thinkers of Bharat have inspired people to rise above narrow boundaries of self and dedicate themselves to the welfare of others.
Referring to the goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Vice-President emphasised that development cannot be measured only through economic growth, infrastructure or technological advancement. A truly developed India, he said, is one where every citizen experiences dignity, opportunity and hope.
He said that every citizen is a stakeholder in the nation’s progress and that the work of service organisations and individuals constitutes nation-building at the grassroots. Citing the Swachh Bharat Mission as an example, he said the initiative demonstrated how Jan Bhagidari can transform a government programme into a people’s movement.
The Vice-President also highlighted the serious threat posed by narcotic drugs and substance abuse to the health and future of the youth. He recalled that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan in August this year, while Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat 2029 Roadmap. He said that both initiatives are important steps towards building a drug-free India.
Concluding his address, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan called for development to be accompanied by compassion, character and social responsibility, and congratulated all the awardees. He expressed the hope that their lives would inspire more citizens, particularly the youth, to dedicate themselves to the welfare of society and strengthen the spirit of Seva Bhav and Kartavya Bodh.