Vice‑President urges joint effort to protect India’s cultural heritage at Kozhikode Navaratri event

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan urged the nation to work together to safeguard India's cultural heritage and foster communal harmony as he opened the Navaratri Sargotsavam‑2026 in Kozhikode on October 16. He said families, teachers, artists, volunteer groups and schools share the duty to raise citizens who are educated, tech‑savvy, culturally aware and socially responsible. Highlighting Kerala's habit of celebrating festivals across faiths, he noted that people join Ramadan, Christmas and Onam regardless of religion. He expressed hope that political violence in the state will fall, allowing Kerala to keep its “God’s Own Country” image. He added that festivals across India – Durga Puja in West Bengal, Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, and Dasara in Mysuru – showcase the country's diverse traditions while tying the nation together. “Different languages, varied customs and slightly different worship styles exist, yet the spirit of Dasara unites us all,” he said. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” programme aimed at building mutual understanding through cultural exchange. He highlighted Kerala’s Vidyarambham ceremony on Vijayadashami as an example of how education and the arts shape society. He argued that a strong cultural base gives people identity and continuity while supporting modern growth. At the event he handed the inaugural Sarga Kesari Award to artist R.K. Rajendran. The ceremony was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, MP C. Sadanandan and former Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

Context

Indian festivals often cross religious boundaries, helping different communities celebrate together and reinforcing national unity.