Kottayam: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday expressed his strong disapproval of attempts to ridicule other religions and create dissensions in the society, saying every person has the right to practise and preach his or her faith in the country.
“Practise your religion but don’t abuse and indulge in hate speech and writings,” the Vice President said at an event organised to mark the 150th death anniversary of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a spiritual leader and social reformer from the Kerala Catholic community, at Mannanam near here.
Observing that hate speeches and writings are against culture, heritage, traditions, constitutional rights and ethos, Mr Naidu said secularism is in the blood of every Indian and the country is respected world-over for its culture and heritage.
In this context, the Vice President called for strengthening the Indian value system, an official statement said.
The Vice President said community service must be made compulsory for students studying in government as well as private schools as it would help them to develop an attitude of sharing and caring in their interaction with others.
“Today, there is a dire need to inculcate the spirit of service from a young age in the youth of this country. Once this pandemic is behind us and normalcy returns, I would suggest that government schools as well as those in the private sector must make community service of at least two to three weeks compulsory for students,” he said.
Urging youngsters to imbibe, protect and promote Indian cultural values, Mr Naidu highlighted the importance of India’s philosophy of sharing and caring for others.
