Media Eye News Bureau: The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that we must collectively promote, through events like International Kala Mela, a greater understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity around the world. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 1st International Kala Mela, organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi.
The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Administrator of Lalit Kala Akademi, C.S. Krishna Setty and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President said that the culture is like the heartbeat of a civilization and it is an expression of its world view, a symbol of its value system. He further said that it represents the hopes and aspirations of its people and it chronicles the saga of their lives. It springs from the depths of their hearts and touches the inner core of humanity and is truly the barometer of the quality of life, he added.
The Vice President welcomed the delegates from various countries, and said to a country that had believed that the entire world is like one large family. It is also a country that believed that we should treat our guests with reverence ‘Atithi Devobhava’, he added.
The Vice President said that India is one of the oldest civilizations with an unmatched richness in culture and heritage which are manifested in different art forms. The spirit of tolerance and accommodation is an Indian way of life and best encapsulated by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the entire universe is one family), he added.
The Vice President said that as the world is becoming increasingly globalized, we should preserve and propagate the best facets of our individual cultures. We should bring out the best traditions, noble ideals and the finest expressions of human excellence in all art forms, he added.
The Vice President congratulated the Lalit Kala Akademi for fostering cultural contacts within the country and also with other countries, through art exhibition and such Art Festivals.
