Hyderabad, Oct 22 (PTI) Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday stressed that human relations and humanity should remain intact even as the world witnesses rapid technological advancements.
Speaking at ‘Alai Balai’, an initiative of former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya organised every year on the occasion of Dussehra, he emphasised living close to nature to address challenges like climate change.
“We are all Indians. We are all Hindus, and we are all related to each other. Hindu means not a religion. Some see Hindu as a religion; it is not a religion. It’s a way of life. We should follow the tradition passed on to us since ancient times,” Naidu said.
In a message sent to Dattatreya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the former’s efforts over the years to keep Telangana’s cultural traditions alive through the festival.
Started by Dattatreya in 2005, ‘Alai Balai’ has been known for the celebration of Telangana’s culture and traditions and as a gathering of political leaders and other prominent personalities cutting across ideologies.
This year’s ‘Alai Balai’ was organised on the theme of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India) for Viksit Bharat’.
Besides Naidu, the event was attended by Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, his Punjab counterpart Gulab Chand Kataria, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, several Telangana ministers, other Congress leaders, former CPI MLA Chada Venkat Reddy and other leaders.
Speaking on the occasion, Kishan Reddy said no religion, gods, goddesses, or festivals should be insulted or belittled in a secular country.
“That’s why I urge all countrymen. If secularism is to continue and if the country is to move ahead as per the Constitution, it would be possible only as long as Hindus continue to be in the majority,” he said.
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said the Alai Balai programme is a symbol of social harmony and Telangana’s rich cultural heritage, bringing people together beyond political differences.
He said ideological differences should not undermine mutual respect, friendship and cooperation.
Emphasising the need for a collective fight against drug abuse, Shukla said the menace is a serious threat to the future of the youth and cannot be tackled by the police alone.
Government agencies, educational institutions, social organisations and citizens must work together to achieve the goal of a drug-free India by 2029, he said.
He appreciated Dattatreya’s daughter Vijayalakshmi, who heads the Alai Balai Foundation, for continuing the tradition initiated by Dattatreya.
In his message, PM Modi said, “Alai-Balai is held after Vijayadashami, a festival that reminds us of the victory of good over evil. Such a celebration at this time brings people together and strengthens the bonds of affection and brotherhood in society”.
Alai Balai also gives the folk artists of the region an opportunity to showcase their talent and enables people to experience the rich cultural heritage through its traditional cuisine, music, dance and other art forms, he added.
“This year’s theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat – Viksit Bharat 2047,’ draws attention to an important national resolve. The dream of a developed India requires a healthy society in which our youth can realise their full potential, free from the harmful effects of drugs. Festivals and community gatherings like this provide an opportunity to engage with young people and inspire them,” Modi said.
During the event, a pledge was administered for ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’. PTI SJR SJR ADB
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.