Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today emphasized that India cannot allow others to calibrate its progress based on subjective opinions. Addressing Officer Trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, he acknowledged that certain individuals, both within and outside the country, tarnish India's institutions and adopt a shortsighted perspective as they are not well disposed towards the nation. <br />''<br />''Highlighting India's achievements in areas such as digital transactions, internet usage, infrastructure, and food security, the Vice President asserted that India's rise is evident through factual figures and the improved lives of its citizens.<br />''<br />''He also pointed out the successful completion of the new Parliament House building within a record time of two and a half years as a testament to India's progress. In his address, Mr Dhankhar urged the Officer Trainees to prioritize the nation's interests in the face of challenges and temptations.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Recognizing IDES as custodians of vast land areas, the Vice President encouraged the exploitation of every inch of defense land for the betterment of nature and the people. He advocated for tree plantation, horticulture, and medicinal/herbal plantation as contributions to the flourishing of the Defense Estate and the preservation of India's cultural ethos of love and respect for nature.</span><br />