Birth does not define a person, character does: V-P Radhakrishnan

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday emphasised that birth does not determine whether an individual is good or bad; it is the character that defines a person.

The Vice-President was speaking at the inauguration of the Mahadev Desai Library Extension here at the historic Gandhi Ashram in the Harijan Sevak Sangh.

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Addressing a gathering on the occasion, he said the inauguration of the library extension was not a mere 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, Radhakrishnan recalled how the Father of the Nation’s decision to abandon Western attire was shaped by his encounter with the poverty of Indian farmers, including at the Madurai railway station, where he resolved to wear only loincloth or Dhoti.

This transformation, he said, symbolised Gandhiji’s lifelong commitment to identifying with the masses and working for their upliftment. He 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.

Recalling the life of former President 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 while individuals often overlook the role society plays in shaping them, every individual has a duty to give back to society. He underlined that service to society is both a moral obligation and a pathway to nation-building.

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

During the programme, the Vice-President released a 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.