Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan Addresses Indian Youth Parliament in Nagpur
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan delivered a keynote speech at the 29th national session of the Indian Youth Parliament in Nagpur on Saturday, invoking the historical and ideological significance of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event, held at Maharshi Vyas Sabhagrah, was attended by dignitaries including Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, RSS functionary Krishna Gopal, Central Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Shrinivasa Varakhedi, and Indian Youth Parliament National Convenor Ashutosh Joshi, along with youth representatives from across the country.
Emphasis on RSS Legacy and National Service
Radhakrishnan highlighted Nagpur's distinct place in India's national consciousness as the birthplace of the RSS, founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925. He described the organization's evolution from a small initiative to a massive movement dedicated to national service, reflecting the spirit of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ and unwavering dedication to the nation. Earlier in the day, Radhakrishnan, a former Maharashtra governor, paid floral tributes at the memorial of RSS founder Hedgewar, Smruti Mandir, underscoring his respect for the organization's roots.
Focus on Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Identity
The address was delivered against the backdrop of the theme ‘Indian languages & developed India–2047’, placing strong emphasis on the country's cultural identity and linguistic diversity. Radhakrishnan asserted that India's linguistic plurality should be viewed as a strength, stating, "When we speak in our mother tongue, we are not being ‘regional’ but ‘original’." He noted that each language carries its own heritage, and together they form the country's cultural harmony, which is essential for national unity.
Youth Role in Achieving Developed India by 2047
Radhakrishnan stressed that achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047 would require innovation rooted in the foundation of the country's civilization. He urged the youth, whom he positioned as the ‘Amrit Generation’, to think in native languages and move forward with confidence, emphasizing that "The goal of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved through borrowed ideas." He expressed confidence that platforms like the Youth Parliament contribute meaningfully to national development goals by fostering dialogue and leadership skills.
Importance of Dialogue and Democratic Values
Drawing from his experience as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan underscored the importance of dialogue and consensus in a democratic framework. He stated, "When the whole world is under the threat of war, only dialogue can lead to solutions," adding that differences of opinion should ultimately lead to constructive dialogue and solutions, not conflict. He described the Youth Parliament as a "training ground for life and leadership", where character formation remains central to effective leadership, and urged participants to develop discipline and a spirit of national service.
Governor Varma's Remarks on Youth and Unity
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma echoed the emphasis on youth but expanded the scope beyond economics. He noted that to build a developed India by 2047, contribution cannot be limited to economic growth alone; social and cultural contributions are equally important. Highlighting India's diversity, Varma said unity remains a defining feature despite differences in language, religion, and region, and youth forums like the National Youth Parliament provide a vital space for dialogue and national integration. He remarked, "In today's age of screen time, such meaningful discussions are important" for fostering engagement and understanding among young Indians.
