NEW DELHI: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated 38th Pune Festival at Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Pune.

The Vice-President said that the nation must never forget its history and the great sacrifices made by its heroes. Recalling the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he said that his contribution to the preservation of Hindu Dharma and India’s civilisational heritage must always be remembered. He also highlighted the deep historical and cultural bonds between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, noting that Tamil literary works have been preserved at the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur because of Maratha leaders .

He also paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and Babasaheb B. R. Ambedkar.

Appreciating Pune’s growing global character, the Vice-President particularly lauded the performance of international students at the inauguration session. He noted that students from around 20 countries participated in Traditional Ganesh Worship programme , describing it as a beautiful manifestation of the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

The Vice-President said Pune has emerged as a major centre of education, industry, sports, information technology, automobile manufacturing, tourism and horticulture, while retaining its cultural identity. He credited the Pune Festival with contributing significantly to Pune’s emergence as a “City of Festivals” and appreciated the vision of its founder, late Suresh Kalmadi.

Appreciating the festival’s focus on young and emerging artists, the Vice-President highlighted programmes such as Ugavate Tare and Indradhanu. He also commended the Mahila Mahotsav for providing women artists a platform to showcase their talent and creativity.

Emphasising the need to remain rooted in India’s civilisational heritage, C. P. Radhakrishnan said that development must go hand in hand with preservation of heritage. Referring to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,” he said modernity and technological advancement need not come at the cost of traditions and cultural values.

The Vice-President said the vision of Viksit Bharat encompasses not only economic growth and infrastructure but also an inclusive and equitable society rooted in its civilisational heritage. He noted that festivals such as the Pune Festival can promote cultural exchange, tourism, local talent and national integration.

Concluding his address, C. P. Radhakrishnan prayed to Lord Ganesha for continued unity, harmony and service, and expressed the hope that the Pune Festival would continue to celebrate India’s composite culture, inspire young talent, empower women, promote tourism and strengthen national integration.