India's image as vibrant democracy shouldn't be tarnished, says VP Jagdeep Dhankhar

India is the world's most vibrant democracy and its image cannot be allowed to be tainted or tarnished by anyone, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Wednesday.

Some people are trying to tarnish India's democratic image outside the country by spreading a false narrative that people do not enjoy their rights in the country, the Vice President said while addressing the 21st convocation of the Dibrugarh University here.

''When all is going well, why should some decry our democracy, talk outside as well as inside the country that we do not have democratic values. I dare say with confidence and without fear of contradictions, India is the most vibrant functional democracy on the planet on this date'', he said without taking any names.

Hon'ble Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar attending the 21st Convocation Ceremony of Dibrugarh University in Assam today. @Gulab_kataria @himantabiswa @DibruUniv pic.twitter.com/HmkX02x1Cq

— Vice President of India (@VPIndia)

He appealed to students, youth, intelligentsia and media to act as ''ambassadors of the country. Believe in nationalism and run down this narrative''.

This is a narrative with no factual basis and ''we cannot support those who inside and outside the country, tarnish and taint our growth trajectory and democratic values''.

The Vice President also said that the Parliament is a "place for dialogue, discussion and debate" and not a place for disruption and disturbances.