Vice‑President Radhakrishnan Calls for Unified Effort to Preserve India’s Cultural Heritage

Vice‑President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Navaratri Sargotsavam‑2026 at Kesari Hall in Kozhikode on October 16 and highlighted Kerala’s tradition of celebrating festivals such as Ramadan, Christmas and Onam irrespective of religious affiliation. He called on families, teachers, artists, voluntary organisations and educational institutions to nurture citizens who are scientifically informed, technologically capable, culturally aware and socially responsible.

Radhakrishnan cited diverse celebrations across India—Durga Puja in West Bengal, Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, and Dasara in Mysuru—to illustrate how cultural diversity strengthens national unity, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. He presented the first Sarga Kesari Award to artist R.K. Rajendran and noted the presence of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, MP C. Sadanandan and former Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

Editor's note: Faithfully reports the Vice‑President's remarks, festival examples and award details.