Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on the occasion of Ugadi on Saturday urged the youths to retain and protect Indian culture as well as understand the significance of every Indian festival. Strengthening relationships between people of different cultures, according to the vice president, improves societal cohesion.
The Vice President, speaking at Swarna Bharat Trust’s Ugadi celebrations in Hyderabad, said the traditional New Year festival, known by various names and customs such as Ugadi, Yugadi, Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Sukladi, Cheti Chand, Sajibu Cheiraoba and Navreh, is a symbol of Indian culture, reflecting its diversity while reflecting its underlying unity. He hoped the customary New Year will bring wealth and joy to the people of the country.
“Indians must understand the importance of festivals and Indian culture”
Venkaiah Naidu further advised everyone to make a New Year’s resolution to protect nature and switch to sustainable ways, noting that New Year’s festivals are also a celebration of the bounty of nature. During his address, he also recommended individuals, especially young people, to adopt healthy behaviors and avoid unhealthy lifestyles.
“Let us unite and move forward, let us achieve Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said.
Naidu recalled India‘s civilizational value of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, and urged everyone to work together for the progress of the country. Speaking about British rule and colonial control, Naidu said that rule had exploited India and created a sense of inferiority among Indians. He further urged everyone to be proud of India’s ancient heritage, noting that the country is developing rapidly in many fields and the whole world is looking towards India.
“Everyone should cherish their mother tongue”
The Vice President stressed the value of adopting Indian languages in society at large, advising that “everyone should cherish and use their mother tongue in their daily lives, as far as possible”. He also wanted mother tongues to be taught in schools, at least up to primary level. He said that Indian languages should increasingly be used in administration and courts. Naidu also commended Swarna Bharat Trust for its activities towards women empowerment and youth development.
(With ANI inputs)
