In a surprising political development, citing health issues, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post of Vice President of India on Monday evening, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter in Indian public life. Long before reaching this high office, Dhankhar made a bold and unconventional decision that would shape his life and legacy: he rejected a coveted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) posting to pursue a career in law. Despite successfully clearing the Civil Services Examination, he opted out of government service and enrolled as an advocate in 1979. His path, though divergent from the traditional prestige of bureaucracy, led to a distinguished career in both the legal and political arenas.
Youngest President of the Rajasthan High Court Bar
Dhankhar’s legal journey quickly gained momentum. By the age of 35, in 1990, he became the youngest-ever president of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association. That same year, he was also designated as a Senior Advocate, a rare honor for someone so young in the legal fraternity. Among his most notable contributions as a lawyer was his instrumental role in securing OBC status for the Jat community in Rajasthan — a legal and social milestone that impacted lakhs.
Rooted in Simplicity, Driven by Education
Born in a humble Jat farmer family in Kithana, a small village in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Dhankhar’s early life was shaped by modest means but strong values. His father, Gokal Chand, and mother, Kesari Devi, instilled in him discipline and a commitment to education. Walking 4–5 kilometres daily for schooling, Dhankhar’s journey took him from local village schools to the prestigious Sainik School in Chittorgarh.
He was selected for both the NDA and IIT but chose to continue his academic journey, eventually completing a B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics from Maharaja College, Jaipur, followed by an LLB from Rajasthan University.
Political Milestones: From MP to Vice President
Dhankhar entered politics in 1989, winning the Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha seat on a Janata Dal ticket. He was appointed Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the short-lived Chandrashekhar government. Over the years, he shifted political affiliations, joining Congress in 1991 and BJP in 2003. He served as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022, known for his often public stand-offs with the state government.
In 2022, he was elected as the 14th Vice President of India, securing 74.37% of the votes, and assumed the role of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Read Also: ‘Why Is Judiciary Appointing CBI Chief?’: Dhankhar Slams Overreach, Demands Action on Cash Seizure
A Defining Choice Beyond Bureaucracy
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s decision to forego an IAS career is more than just a personal anecdote — it underscores a powerful message: success isn’t always about choosing the most conventional path. Instead, it’s about aligning your choices with your passion and purpose. By choosing law over administration, Dhankhar not only built a respected legal career but also laid the foundation for a significant political legacy.
