New Delhi
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed distress on Thursday as a video portraying him greeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with folded hands circulated widely on social media.
Emphasizing that bowing and showing respect is a personal habit, he lamented that sharing such videos on social platforms undermines the country’s tradition and culture. During the morning session of the House, Dhankhar, while exchanging greetings with members, commented on the scrutiny of his gestures on social media, stating that members, now I am also watching carefully how to bow, whom to bow before, who will put it on Instagram, and who will post on Twitter and who will start judging the strength of my spine.
Addressing his anguish, he clarified that bowing is a natural habit for him, and he does not discriminate based on who is in front of him. Expressing concern about the misuse of such interactions, Dhankhar cautioned against stooping too low and emphasized the need to uphold traditional cultural values. He noted that despite being a humble individual, there is a limit to tolerating unwarranted comments, particularly from those he holds in high regard.
The Chairman highlighted the potential challenges he faced when expressing his pain and anguish in the past, hinting at a previous incident with a senior leader that escalated on Twitter. The video capturing the Vice-President’s respectful gesture toward the Prime Minister during a program in Parliament has gained traction on social media.
