VP Highlights Family Values, Civic Duties, and Environmental Conservation at 66th All India Kalidas Festival

Reflecting on the importance of civic responsibilities, the Vice President reminded citizens that while rights are fundamental, duties must also be a priority.

During his address at the 66th All India Kalidas Festival in Ujjain, the Vice President of India emphasized the significance of Kutumb Prabodhan (strengthening families and family values), underscoring its role in India’s cultural foundation. He expressed that focusing on family relationships enriches life’s meaning and contributes to national well-being: “In an age of materialism, if we ignore our families, we lose a fundamental aspect of Indian character. True prosperity begins with family.”

Reflecting on the importance of civic responsibilities, the Vice President reminded citizens that while rights are fundamental, duties must also be a priority. "Our Constitution provides us with rights, but citizens must balance these with responsibilities,” he remarked, urging all Indians to place the nation above personal interests.

Addressing youth development, he noted that building a future generation grounded in strong ethics is essential. "It’s wonderful to dream of children becoming doctors or engineers, but the core objective is to raise them to be responsible, duty-conscious citizens,” he said, emphasizing character-building as a primary responsibility.

The Vice President also discussed social harmony (Samajik Samrasta), highlighting it as a foundational value under threat today. He reiterated India's vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and called for national unity and mutual respect across diverse communities, aligning with India's legacy of peace and inclusiveness.

Drawing upon Kalidas’ works, the Vice President explored the theme of environmental conservation as he highlighted Kalidas’ poems, such as Meghaduta, which capture nature’s beauty and stress the need to preserve it. He referenced the Prime Minister’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, suggesting every citizen plant a tree for their mother, aiming for an environmental impact akin to the Clean India movement.

Finally, he emphasized preserving India’s cultural heritage, noting that any nation that neglects its culture risks its longevity. “Our heritage defines us; the Kalidas Festival is a reminder of our unique identity,” he said, calling on citizens to honor and uphold the legacy of Indian civilization.