Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu today said that, as proud Indians, we are dutybound to celebrate the lives of the freedom fighters who made innumerable sacrifices to free the nation from the clutches of oppressive British rule. He called upon the people to revisit the lives of these great leaders and make youth aware of their inspirational stories.
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration of 12th Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav being organized by the Ministry of Culture in Hyderabad today, the Vice President highlighted the ‘twin purpose’ of this Mahotsav- one is to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and the second is to promote and preserve rich Indian cultural heritage and art forms.
He said that Indian civilization always sought the well-being of all in tune with the spirit of ‘Sarvejana Sukhino Bhavantu’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Referring to the diversity and richness of cultural art forms in India, he commended the Ministry of Culture for celebrating this diversity through Sanskrit Mahotsav.
Observing that our rich and diverse languages are an inalienable part of our glorious cultural heritage, Naidu emphasised the need to promote the use of Indian languages in every walk of life.
He suggested that people should visit various parts of the country to understand and appreciate the cultural uniqueness and diversity of each region in the country. He also wanted people to visit historical monuments, including places like the Statue of Unity and Cellular Jail to learn about the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Naidu also called for including the life stories of the freedom fighters and social reformers from various parts of the country in school textbooks to inspire the younger generation.
Describing India’s cultural treasure of music and dance as one of the greatest gifts to the world, the Vice President stressed the need to preserve and propagate these rich art forms. In this regard, he also emphasised the need for providing timely and affordable credit and marketing avenues to artisans to enable them to stand on their own feet. “We must ensure that our artists and craftsmen find means to lead a life of dignity and honour,” he stressed.
