VP Radhakrishnan Inaugurates Navaratri Sargotsavam in Kozhikode
C. P. Radhakrishnan highlights India’s shared civilisational heritage, calls cultural preservation and development complementary, and releases a Malayalam book.
- Vice-President inaugurates Navaratri Sargotsavam in Kozhikode
- Cultural heritage and development complement each other
- Book released and Sarga Kesari Award presented
- Vice-President stresses unity and shared civilisational heritage
GG News Bureau
Kozhikode, 16th Oct: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday inaugurated Navaratri Sargotsavam 2026 in Kozhikode, Kerala, emphasising that India’s cultural heritage and developmental aspirations must progress together.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said Navaratri celebrates the divine feminine power of Adi Parashakti, symbolising creation, strength, wisdom and compassion. He noted that the festival conveys enduring values: courage must overcome fear, righteousness must prevail over injustice, and knowledge must dispel ignorance.
Highlighting the diversity of Navaratri celebrations across India, Radhakrishnan said the country’s varied languages, traditions and forms of worship are united by a shared civilisational heritage. He described this unity as a reflection of the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”, the Vice-President said development and cultural preservation complement each other. Comparing India to a banyan tree, he observed that deep roots provide strength and stability while its branches continue to spread—much like India’s traditions and values supporting its journey towards modernity.
Radhakrishnan congratulated Kesari Weekly for organising the festival and commended its contribution to Malayalam journalism, democratic values and freedom of expression.
During the event, he released the book Sangha Noottandile Akshara Mudrakal and presented the Sarga Kesari Award to P. R. Rajendran in recognition of his contribution to the fine arts.
The Vice-President expressed hope that the festival would inspire young people, encourage artists and strengthen efforts to preserve India’s cultural heritage while embracing innovation. He also called for a compassionate society that fights injustice, shares prosperity with the underprivileged and uses knowledge for the common good.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master, Navaratri Sargotsavam Samiti president Vidhu-bala, working president A. K. Prasanth and other dignitaries attended the event.
