Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Faints During Emotional Reunion at Kumaon University

Nainital, June 25, 2025 — Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar fainted on stage during a public event at Kumaon University’s Golden Jubilee celebration, causing brief panic before he was revived and safely escorted away.

Dhankhar had just delivered a nearly 45-minute speech as the chief guest at the ceremony when he descended from the dais and warmly hugged Dr Mahendra Singh Pal, a former parliamentary colleague from 1989. The emotional moment became tense when Dhankhar suddenly collapsed into Pal’s arms.

Medical teams rushed in immediately and managed to revive him within minutes. He was promptly taken to Raj Bhavan in Nainital under the care of Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd). According to officials, his condition is now stable and he remains under observation.

The Vice President had arrived earlier in the day for a three-day official visit to Uttarakhand. He was warmly welcomed at the army helipad in Haldwani by the Governor and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Present at the university event were several dignitaries including Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya, Union Minister Ajay Bhatt, Mayor Gajraj Bisht, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, IG Riddhim Aggarwal, District Magistrate Vandana, and SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena.

Medical experts on site said the fainting episode was likely due to a combination of heat, fatigue, and emotional stress. His address had focused on the importance of higher education and national service, delivered with his usual vigour.

Officials have not announced any changes to the Vice President’s schedule, which includes attending the Founder’s Day function at Sherwood College in Nainital on June 27.

As the nation wishes him a speedy recovery, the incident also drew attention to the emotional toll and physical demands faced by public leaders in the line of duty.