**Executive Summary**
On June 24, 2026, Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book "VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy" at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. The document highlights the transition toward citizen-centric governance, emphasizing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility of service ("Seva") rather than a privilege. It calls for a commitment to constitutional values, equality before the law, and the dignity of every citizen.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Book Launch Details**
* **Title:** "VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy."
* **Authors:** Authored by former Rajya Sabha Member Shri Nabam Rebia and co-authored by Shri Sandeep Kumar.
* **Release Event:** The launch took place at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, attended by various dignitaries including former Chief Minister Shri Nabam Tuki.
**Democratic Governance and Public Office**
* **Core Philosophy:** The Vice-President emphasized that "Every Indian is a VIP" and that "Seva (service) is the ultimate Dharma."
* **Office as Responsibility:** Democracy flourishes when public office is treated as a responsibility to serve citizens rather than a source of privilege.
* **Constitutional Values:** Governance must be rooted in the constitutional principles of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity.
**Leadership and Accountability**
* **Leadership Traits:** True leadership is defined by accessibility, compassion, and accountability; leaders earn trust through respect and approachability.
* **Exemplary Actions:** The document cites the abolition of red beacon lights for dignitaries and the Prime Minister's decision to delay his own travel to avoid inconveniencing NEET aspirants as models of citizen-first governance.
**Cultural and Intellectual Foundations**
* **Historical References:** The book draws on India’s civilizational traditions, including the Upanishads, Ramcharitmanas, teachings of Lord Buddha, and the Panchatantra.
* **Ethos of Simplicity:** The Vice-President highlighted the simplicity and public service ethos of former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri as a benchmark for public life.
**Impact Analysis**
**Public Officials and Leaders**
**Impact**
They are challenged to move away from "VIP culture" and privilege-based authority toward a service-oriented mindset.
**Action Required**
Adopt a "citizen-first" approach, remain approachable to the public, and view their positions as responsibilities guided by humility and accountability.
**The Indian Citizenry**
**Impact**
Citizens are recognized as the central focus of governance, with their dignity and convenience prioritized over dignitary privileges.
**Action Required**
Recognize their status as "special" within the democratic framework and expect governance that adheres to equality before the law.
**Authors and Intellectuals**
**Impact**
Their work is highlighted as a critical analysis of the core of democratic governance and public life in India.
**Action Required**
Continue contributing to the discourse on dismantling power distances and reinforcing the values of the Republic through intellectual traditions.
Key Entities Referenced
VIP Culture in India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy: The book released by the Vice-President, authored by Shri Nabam Rebia and Shri Sandeep Kumar, which explores democratic governance and public life in India.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan: The Vice-President of India who released the book and emphasized the importance of citizen-centric governance and public service.
Constitution of India: The foundational legal framework cited by the Vice-President as envisioning a society based on justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity.
Shri Nabam Rebia: Former Rajya Sabha Member from Arunachal Pradesh and the primary author of the book on VIP culture and democratic governance.
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): A national-level medical entrance exam mentioned in the context of the Prime Minister's decision to delay his departure to ensure candidates were not inconvenienced by traffic restrictions.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice-President Releases Book "VIP Culture in
India: Power, Privilege and the Distance from
Democracy"
"Every Indian is special. Every Indian is a VIP"- Vice-
President recalls Prime Minister's vision of citizen-centric
governance
Prime Minister's Decision to Delay Departure for NEET
Aspirants Reflects Citizen-First Governance: Vice-President
प्रव तथ: 24 JUN 2026 5:35PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released the book "VIP Culture in India:
Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy" at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, and said that
the subject explored by its authors, former Rajya Sabha Member from Arunachal Pradesh Shri Nabam
Rebia and co-author Shri Sandeep Kumar, touches the very core of democratic governance and public life
in India.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “VIP Culture in India:
Power, Privilege and the Distance from Democracy” authored by former Member
of Parliament Shri Nabam Rebia and co-authored by Shri Sandeep Kumar, at
Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, today.… pic.twitter.com/N7f2bDYsjh
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) June 24, 2026
The Vice President said that the Constitution envisions a society based on justice, equality, liberty and
fraternity. He emphasized that the essence of democracy lies in the relationship between citizens and those
entrusted with public authority, adding that democracy flourishes when public office is viewed as a
responsibility rather than a privilege.
Quoting the great Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, the Vice-President observed that true leadership is
characterized by accessibility, compassion and accountability. He stated that leaders who remain
approachable and respectful towards the people earn enduring trust and admiration.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said the themes explored in the book resonate with Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi's vision of public office as a means of service rather than privilege. Referring to the Prime Minister's
decision to abolish red beacon lights for dignitaries and his recent gesture of delaying his departure to
ensure NEET aspirants were not inconvenienced by traffic restrictions, the Vice-President said suchactions exemplify citizen-centric governance and reinforce the principle that public authority exists to
serve citizens. Recalling the Prime Minister's words, he said, "Every Indian is special. Every Indian is a
VIP." He added that "Seva is the ultimate Dharma."
The Vice-President also appreciated the book's references to the simplicity and public service ethos of
former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri and other distinguished personalities. He noted that the
authors have enriched their analysis through references to India's civilisational and intellectual traditions,
including the Upanishads, Ramcharitmanas, the teachings of Lord Buddha and the Panchatantra.
Calling for a renewed commitment to the values that define the Republic, the Vice-President emphasized
equality before the law, dignity of every citizen and public service guided by humility and responsibility.
He stated that the true measure of leadership lies in the trust it earns and the service it renders.
Among those present on the occasion were former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Nabam Tuki,
former Rajya Sabha Member from Meghalaya Shri W. R. Kharlukhi, author Shri Nabam Rebia and co-
author Shri Sandeep Kumar.
***
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