Panaji, Oct 29 (FN Agency) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday emphasised the need to preserve and propagate the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the country. Interacting with a group of eminent Konkani and Marathi writers, folk artists, film makers and educationists at Raj Bhawan here, he said, ‘Our mother languages connect us with our heritage and define our socio-cultural identity.’ The Vice President underlined the need to encourage creative expression of thoughts and ideas in ‘our own languages’. Praising the rich literary tradition of Goa, he said he was happy to see the Konkani language prospering today. Taking note of technological advancements in the field of translation, Mr Naidu called for using local language of a state in the administration. Lauding the Goans’ passion for all forms of arts, he said that one can feel the festive spirit and vibrancy of the place.
Referring to India’s glorious tradition of music and dance, the Vice President said, ‘They make our lives more fulfilling by rejuvenating and energising us.’ Calling Goa a land of splendid natural beauty, Mr Naidu said the state was a rare confluence of nature and culture. He praised the state for consciously protecting and preserving its pristine natural environment. Terming Goa as a tourist’s paradise, Mr Naidu appealed to the people to explore and visit such beautiful places within the country as it would give a fillip to the tourism sector. He also cautioned the people that pandemic is not over yet and asked them to keep following COVID appropriate behaviour. During the event, the Vice President also felicitated recent winners of Sahitya Akademi Awards from the state of Goa. He said the purpose behind such programs was to recognise and honour the contribution made by eminent personalities in their respective fields and to know the aspirations of the people in the country. Responding to a writer’s suggestion, Mr Naidu agreed that efforts were required at all levels to promote gender equality in every sphere of life. Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, eminent writers, artists, film makers and cultural figures from the state were present on the occasion.