Unity, cultural values key to Viksit Bharat, says Venkaiah at Alai Balai | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: Former vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday called for collective efforts to build a developed India by 2047, stressing the need to create a society free from hunger, corruption and atrocities while preserving the country’s cultural traditions and languages.Addressing the Alai Balai programme organised by former Haryana and Himachal Pradesh governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Naidu said unity, mutual respect and social harmony were indispensable for India’s progress. He noted that colonial rulers had exploited divisions among Indians to strengthen their rule and weaken indigenous culture and traditions.Describing Alai Balai as a celebration of affection and human bonding, Naidu said festivals and cultural events should serve as platforms to strengthen social relationships and foster harmony across communities. He urged people to embrace India’s diversity, live in harmony with nature and safeguard the nation’s rich cultural legacy.Stressing the importance of mother tongues, Naidu said Telugu must be preserved and passed on to future generations. Comparing one’s mother tongue to eyesight, he said development should go hand in hand with the protection of India’s languages, customs and traditions.Speaking on the occasion, Dattatreya said Alai Balai had evolved into a platform that brings people together irrespective of caste, religion, political affiliation or regional differences. He thanked participants for attending the programme and appealed to people to rise above political differences and exchange greetings in a spirit of friendship and goodwill.Dattatreya also called for stronger cooperation between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, saying both states could progress further through cordial relations and mutual support among their people.This year’s programme was organised around the theme, ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat, Viksit Bharat’, highlighting the twin goals of building a drug-free society and a developed nation.He said festivals should be more than occasions for celebration and should also convey meaningful messages that contribute to social awareness and progress. Urging people to uphold the spirit of unity in diversity, Dattatreya called on citizens to strengthen social bonds and actively contribute to nation-building.Both leaders underscored that India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation would require unity, mutual respect, social cohesion and a firm commitment to preserving the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
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