Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made a compelling case for India's ancient epics over modern Hollywood superheroes during a major science conference. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan (BVS) at Tirupati's National Sanskrit University on Friday, Naidu asserted that the characters from Indian mythology embody far greater strength and values than their Western counterparts.
Epic Heroes vs. Fictional Superheroes
Naidu drew direct comparisons between mythological figures and popular comic book characters. "Lord Hanuman's strength surpasses that of Superman, and Arjuna was a greater warrior than Iron Man or Batman," he stated. The Chief Minister emphasized that Indian youth should learn about Rama, Krishna, and the concept of Ram Rajya instead of limiting their inspiration to fictional narratives from the West.
He elaborated that figures like Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman are fictional, whereas India's mythological heroes represent profound ideals and cultural heritage. "Lord Rama remains the ultimate symbol of righteousness, with Ram Rajya representing ideal governance," Naidu said. He urged parents, teachers, and society to instill knowledge of the Ramayana and Mahabharata in children, stating these texts are "more profound than even popular films like Avatar."
Blending Heritage with Modernity and Development
While championing traditional stories, Naidu, known for his focus on technology and innovation, also called for creative thinking. He expressed strong confidence that India is on course to emerge as a global superpower in the future. Shifting to national development, he credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for laying strong foundations and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking India forward with remarkable progress.
His speech seamlessly connected cultural pride with scientific ambition, a theme fitting for the science conclave. He also recalled how former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao popularised mythological stories through cinema while upholding strong values.
Event Highlights and Broader Context
The seventh edition of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan is being held at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati from December 26 to 29. The inaugural session was attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Naidu. Naidu lauded Bhagwat for strengthening the organisation through dedication while staying out of politics.
In a related event on Thursday, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Naidu unveiled a statue of Vajpayee at Venkatapalem in the Amaravati capital region as part of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's centenary birth anniversary celebrations. They later planted saplings at the Vajpayee memorial park.
Naidu concluded his address by highlighting the importance of teaching children the distinction between good and evil through stories of characters like Bakasura and Kansa, framing the epics as essential guides for moral and national development.
