Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that the structured use of charity to influence the faith of the beneficiary has serious consequences in a democracy.
According to him, assistance to the needy, marginalised, and vulnerable should be without any strings attached.
"Charity, assistance, or such handholding needs to be with no strings attached. Our civilisational ethos tells us never speak of charity. Charity is never to be claimed. You do it, and you forget about it," Mr Dhankhar said.
He was addressing students at Adichunchanagiri University in BG Nagara in Mandya.
Former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, Jagadguru Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswami and Swami Parmatmananda Saraswati were among those who were present on the occasion.
"Charity putting freedom of faith in captivity is a cause of concern. When you influence the faith of the needy, the marginalised, the vulnerable, things become really very critical," Mr Dhankhar opined.
He added that such actions could have serious consequences on the spirit of nationalism and constitutional values.
The Vice President praised Adichunchanagiri Shikshana Trust saying that with 26 Shakha Maths across the world and over 500 educational institutions under it including schools for the blind, deaf, and dumb, this institution's service to the marginalised is exemplary and it indeed is a befitting response to critics of Sanatana Dharma.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
"The Spectacle I Witnessed...": Rajya Sabha Chairman After Chaotic Session Opposition's No Trust Move Against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Rejected "Pained, Campaign Against Me": Jagdeep Dhankhar Amid No-Trust Motion "Will Behead Their Leaders": Israel Confirms It Killed Hamas Chief In Iran "Don't Mess With Us": Ex Mossad Agents' Revelations On Lebanon Pager Attack Congress Leader Files Complaint Against Allu Arjun Over Scene In 'Pushpa 2' Assets Worth Rs 8 Crore Seized From Ex-Constable In Madhya Pradesh Allu Arjun To Be Questioned Today In 'Pushpa 2' Stampede Case: 10 Points Shaq's $40M Gamble: One Complaint Sparked Affordable Shoes For Millions Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.