Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu
Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday highlighted the need to return to the roots of Indian culture and promote its languages. Inaugurating an exhibition organized under ‘Lokmanthan-2024’, a conference of ‘nationalist thinkers’, Naidu stressed the need for all of us to go back to following “our traditions, culture and dress”.
Describing ‘Sanatan Dharma’ as superior, Naidu said Hindu religion is so sacred that people feed ants and snakes and also worship trees and cattle. “Please see where we go from there,” he said. The British came and attacked us. They not only looted us but also snatched our diamonds and other valuables. Not only this, they also ‘looted’ the minds of some of our people. This is the reason why changes are taking place in us today (in relation to the adoption of culture and traditions).
Emphasis on yoga practice.
He advised the youth to behave nature-friendly. Naidu highlighted the importance of practicing yoga to stay physically healthy and mentally alert. On Lokmanthan, Naidu said the underlying idea of the event is to free the minds of Indians from colonial mentality and foster a sense of pride and commitment towards Indian intellectual discourse, culture, heritage, music and dance. “That’s the purpose of this program,” he said. “There is a noble idea behind this program.” Union Minister G Kishan Reddy was also present at the programme.
President Draupadi Murmu to take office
President Draupadi Murmu will inaugurate Lokmanthan-2024 on November 22. Organized by Pragya Pravah, a nation-first organization of intellectuals, researchers and educators, the event will include debates on various topics as well as cultural programmes. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and other dignitaries are also expected to attend the event. Representatives from foreign countries, including groups following pre-Abrahamic traditions, will also participate and present cultural dances and other types of displays. Yazidis who have faced attacks from ISIS are also expected to attend the conference, organizers said. The biennial Lokmanthan program was organized first in Bhopal and then in Ranchi and Guwahati. It started in 2016. (PTI input-language)
