Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar marked the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh with a floral tribute at Kisan Ghat in Delhi on Wednesday. On this occasion, he reflected on the roadmap for building a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), asserting that the key lies in an eightfold increase in every citizen’s income.

“A Developed India Isn’t Just About Economic Rankings”

Speaking on the occasion, Dhankhar emphasized that India's development cannot be measured solely by GDP or global economic position. “To bring the vision of a developed India into reality, it is essential that every individual sees an eight times rise in their income,” he said. “This is not just a goal—it’s a necessity.”

Farmers Are the Foundation of Progress

Calling the Indian farmer the "backbone of our nation", Dhankhar stressed that the transformation of rural India is crucial to national development. “The farmer must now become a visionary and an entrepreneur. Agriculture is no longer just about production—it must evolve into the biggest business opportunity involving farming and animal husbandry,” he asserted.

Remembering Chaudhary Charan Singh: A Champion of Rural India

Reflecting on Charan Singh’s legacy, Dhankhar hailed him as a “superstar of farmers’ rights” who devoted his life to uplifting rural India. He reminded the audience that even during pre-independence days in 1939, Singh had worked tirelessly to free farmers from the grip of moneylenders.

He credited Charan Singh with empowering farmers to gain ownership of their land, and recalled that former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had declared Singh’s birthday, December 23, as Kisan Diwas in his honor.

A Lifelong Crusader for the Agrarian Cause

Chaudhary Charan Singh, born on 23 December 1902, served as India’s fifth Prime Minister, holding office briefly in 1979. A key figure in agrarian reform, he was first elected as an MLA in 1937 from Chhaprauli and went on to dedicate his political career to agricultural and rural development.

Apart from his political service, Singh was also a noted writer. His key works include:

• Abolition of Zamindari – Two Alternatives

• Economic Nightmare of India

• Gandhian Outline of India's Economic Policy

The Path to “Viksit Bharat”

Vice President Dhankhar’s message was clear: India’s progress lies in empowering every citizen, especially its farmers, with substantially higher incomes and greater economic independence. He urged a shift in focus—from rankings and macroeconomics to real, inclusive prosperity on the ground.

“We must go beyond figures and focus on people. Income growth must touch every household—especially those who form the heart of India: our farmers and rural communities.”