Hyderabad, Secularism is in the blood and veins of every Indian and minorities are more secure in India than any other country, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Sunday.
Finding fault with the tendency of some countries to comment on India’s internal matters, he asked them to refrain from advising India on its internal affairs.
Noting out that India was the largest parliamentary democracy, he said it was capable of managing its own affairs.
Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Andhra Vidyabhi Vardhani (AVV) Educational Institutions in Warangal town of Telangana, he, describing ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ as the essence of Indian culture, said that secularism is in the blood and veins of every Indian and minorities are more secure in India than any other country.
Respecting all religions and ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhav’ is our culture and we should continue to follow it, he added.
Naidu also remarked that Bharat Mata Ki Jai means the ‘Jai of 130 crore Indians’.
Stressing that peace was a prerequisite for development, the Vice President said that in a democracy, everyone has a right to dissent and protest but it should be done in a peaceful manner. He asked the youth to develop positive attitude in life and be constructive and not obstructive in their approach.
He also emphasised the need to promote the use of Indian languages in the administration. This will not only bring the administration closer to the people but also help in preservation of our rich linguistic heritage, he said.
Quoting Sardar Patel, Naidu said that unless a child understands the language of instruction properly, he will not be able to understand the subject being taught in that language.
The Vice President urged the Union and state governments to mandatorily link employment upto a level with the local languages to promote the use of mother tongues in the country.
Stressing the need for value-based education, Naidu said that education should focus on overall development of the students by imparting morals, ethics and age old civilisational values of the country. A teacher has prominent role after parents in shaping the life of a student, he said.
He exhorted the youth to develop 4Cs – Character, Capacity, Conduct and Caliber, and asked them to be hardworking and disciplined to achieve success in life. Naidu also advised them to shun sedentary lifestyle and keep physically fit.
Emphasizing the need to end every kind of social discrimination, the Vice President called for a mindset change in the society. He said that the children should be taught to be respectful towards girls and women from an early age.
Expressing his concern over the fast depleting water resources, the Vice President stressed the need for protecting lakes and traditional water bodies.
Telangana Home Minister, Mohammad Mahmood Ali, Panchayati Raj Minister, Yerrabelli Dayakar Rao were also present.
