Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected as the 14th Vice President of India. His journey from a small village to one of India’s highest offices is inspiring. This article tells the story of his life in simple words. It covers his early life, education, career, and political achievements. Let’s explore the life of this remarkable man who serves as a leader and inspires many.
Early Life And Family
Jagdeep Dhankhar was born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana village. This village is in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India. He was born into a simple Hindu Jat family. His father’s name was Gokal Chand, and his mother’s name was Kesari Devi. His family worked as farmers. Life in the village was not easy. Young Jagdeep faced many challenges. But he was determined to succeed. His humble beginnings shaped his strong character. He learned the value of hard work early in life.
As a child, Jagdeep was curious and eager to learn. He walked long distances to attend school. His family supported his education despite their simple circumstances. Jagdeep’s early life taught him discipline and perseverance. These qualities stayed with him throughout his life. His connection to his roots remains strong even today. He often speaks proudly about his village and farming background.
Education And Early Career
Jagdeep Dhankhar started his education at Kithana Government School. Later, he joined Ghardhana Government School for middle school. His hard work earned him a scholarship to study at Sainik School, Chittorgarh. This was a big opportunity for him. The school gave him a strong foundation. It taught him discipline and leadership.
After school, Jagdeep went to the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur. He studied science and earned a B.Sc. degree. But he did not stop there. He wanted to do more. So, he pursued law and completed his LLB degree. His education opened new doors for him. In 1979, he became an advocate with the Bar Council of Rajasthan. He worked hard and built a strong reputation as a lawyer. By 1990, he was named a Senior Advocate by the Rajasthan High Court. Later, he practiced law in the Supreme Court of India. His legal career was successful. He handled cases in constitutional law, commercial disputes, and international arbitration.
Jagdeep Dhankhar Age, Wiki, Biography, Education, Net Worth, Wife, Daughter, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jagdeep Dhankhar |
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Kithana village, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, India |
| Family Background | Hindu Jat family; Father: Gokal Chand, Mother: Kesari Devi; Farmers by profession |
| Education | - Kithana Govt. School (Primary) - Ghardhana Govt. School (Middle) - Sainik School, Chittorgarh (High School, scholarship) - B.Sc. & LLB from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur |
| Marital Status | Married to Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar (1979) |
| Children | One daughter, Kamna (married to Kartikeya Vajpayee) |
| Wife’s Achievements | Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar: Post-grad in Economics, PhD (2022) in groundwater conservation, works in social work, organic farming, child education |
| Legal Career | - Advocate, Bar Council of Rajasthan (1979) - Senior Advocate, Rajasthan High Court (1990) - Supreme Court practice (constitutional law, commercial disputes, international arbitration) |
| Political Entry | Joined Janata Dal in 1989 |
| Lok Sabha Tenure | MP from Jhunjhunu (1989–1991) |
| Ministerial Role | Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs (1990, Chandra Shekhar govt.) |
| MLA Tenure | MLA, Kishangarh, Rajasthan (1993–1998) |
| Political Affiliations | Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Governor of West Bengal | July 30, 2019 – 2022 |
| Vice President Election | 14th Vice President of India, elected August 6, 2022; won with 528 votes (72.8%) against Margaret Alva |
| Oath as Vice President | August 11, 2022, administered by President Droupadi Murmu |
| Role as Vice President | Chairman of Rajya Sabha; promotes decorum, fairness, women’s representation |
| Key Contributions | - 17 women included in RS Vice-Chairpersons panel (2023) - Supports Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Bill (2023) - Advocates education, rural development, farmers’ welfare |
| International Visits | Cambodia (Nov 2022, ASEAN-India Summit), Qatar (Nov 2022), Iran (May 2024, after President Raisi's death) |
| Views and Advocacy | Strong, united India; fair Indo-Pacific rules; balances tradition (Ayurveda) and modernity; encourages education and research |
| Health Incident | Admitted to AIIMS Delhi for chest pain (2025); recovered quickly |
| Legacy | Inspiring leader from humble roots; symbolizes hard work, resilience, dedication to India’s progress |
Entry Into Politics
Jagdeep Dhankhar entered politics in 1989. He joined the Janata Dal party. That year, he won a seat in the Lok Sabha from Jhunjhunu. He was only 38 years old. His victory showed his ability to connect with people. In 1990, he became the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Chandra Shekhar government. This role gave him experience in national politics. He worked hard to serve the people.
From 1993 to 1998, Jagdeep served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Kishangarh, Rajasthan. During this time, he worked for the development of his area. He focused on education, infrastructure, and farmers’ welfare. His work earned him respect among the people. Over the years, he was part of different political parties. These included the Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His ability to work with different groups showed his flexibility and dedication.
Governor of West Bengal
In July 2019, Jagdeep Dhankhar was appointed Governor of West Bengal. This was a big responsibility. He took the oath on July 30, 2019, at Raj Bhavan, Kolkata. As Governor, he worked to uphold the Constitution. But his time in West Bengal was not easy. He often had disagreements with the state government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They clashed over issues like law and order and post-poll violence in 2021. Jagdeep was vocal about his concerns. He believed in transparency and accountability. His actions kept him in the news. Some praised his boldness, while others criticized him. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his duties.
Vice President of India
In July 2022, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) chose Jagdeep Dhankhar as its candidate for Vice President. He competed against Margaret Alva, the opposition’s candidate. On August 6, 2022, he won the election with 528 votes out of 725. This was a huge victory. He secured 72.8% of the votes, the highest margin since 1992. On August 11, 2022, President Droupadi Murmu administered his oath as Vice President. This was a proud moment for him and his family.
As Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He guides the proceedings of the Upper House of Parliament. He believes in maintaining decorum and fairness in debates. In 2023, he made a historic move. He included 17 women members in the Rajya Sabha’s panel of Vice-Chairpersons. This was during discussions on the Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Bill, 2023. The bill aimed to empower women in politics. His decision showed his commitment to gender equality.
International Visits And Contributions
Jagdeep Dhankhar has represented India on the global stage. In November 2022, he visited Cambodia. He attended the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit. These events marked 70 years of India-Cambodia relations. He also visited cultural sites like Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat temples. There, he inaugurated the Hall of Dancers at Ta Prohm Temple. His visit strengthened India’s ties with Cambodia.
Later that month, he traveled to Qatar. He was invited by the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. In May 2024, he visited Iran to pay respects after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. These trips show his role in promoting India’s image abroad. He speaks with pride about India’s culture and values.
Views And Leadership Style
Jagdeep Dhankhar is known for his strong views. He believes in a strong and united India. In 2023, he spoke at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue in New Delhi. He supported a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. He said, “You cannot negotiate peace from a position of weakness.” He also called for fair rules for using marine resources. His speeches show his deep understanding of global issues.
He values India’s traditions. He supports a balance between ancient practices like Ayurveda and modern medicine. As Vice President, he is the ex-officio Chancellor of Delhi University, Panjab University, and others. He encourages education and research. His leadership is firm but fair. He believes in dialogue and cooperation.
Personal Life
Jagdeep Dhankhar married Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar in 1979. She is a post-graduate in Economics from Banasthali Vidyapith. In 2022, she earned a PhD for her work on groundwater conservation. Dr. Sudesh is passionate about social work, organic farming, and child education. The couple has a daughter named Kamna. Kamna studied at Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School in Jaipur and Mayo College Girls’ School in Ajmer. She is married to Kartikeya Vajpayee. Jagdeep and Sudesh share a strong bond. They support each other in their work.
Health And Resilience
In 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar faced a health challenge. He was admitted to AIIMS Delhi after feeling chest pain. He stayed in the Critical Care Unit for a short time. Despite this, he recovered quickly. His strength and determination helped him return to his duties. This incident showed his resilience and commitment to serving the nation.
Legacy And Impact
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s life is a story of hard work and dedication. From a small village in Rajasthan to the Vice President’s office, his journey inspires many. He shows that anyone can achieve great things with effort and determination. His work as a lawyer, politician, and leader has left a mark on India. He continues to serve with honesty and courage.
As Vice President, he plays a key role in India’s democracy. He ensures the Rajya Sabha runs smoothly. His focus on women’s representation and education is notable. His international visits strengthen India’s global ties. He remains connected to his roots and speaks for farmers and rural communities.
Conclusion
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s biography is a tale of grit and glory. Born in a simple village, he rose to become India’s Vice President. His life shows the power of education and hard work. He faced challenges but never gave up. Today, he is a respected leader. His story motivates young Indians to dream big and work hard. Jagdeep Dhankhar is not just a politician; he is a symbol of hope for a better India.