Something special about our land, air: Venkaiah
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, said there was a need to return to systems of “the past,” when women of the country were respected. He was speaking at an event organised to launch a platform to support women innovators. The event was also attended by Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Mr Naidu said that one day wasn’t enough to celebrate women. “We have forgotten our roots. Women’s day, parents’ day, mother’s day. All these are symbolic gestures. Somewhere, western culture has crept in,” he said.
Mr Naidu said many people were under the wrong impression that Indian women needed to just look after the home and not do anything else. “People say this is Indian culture. Who told you that? Look at our Vedas, Upanishads. Gargi and Maitreyi were at the forefront, leading people. Also, notice how most rivers are named after women. How can you say it is not our culture,” he asked.
Mr Naidu said the country needed to revert to its past. “Ours is one of the oldest surviving civilisations. I am not talking about religion; it is only a way of worship. I am talking about culture, the way of life. Look at the heads of MNCs. They are mostly Indian. There is something special about our land, water and air,” he said.
The Vice President said a societal change was necessary to empower women and stop the atrocities against them. “Whenever a horrible crime happens, like Nirbhaya or Disha, people ask for new laws. That isn’t necessary. We need political will and a societal change in values,” he said.
Governor Soundararajan,
in her brief address, spoke entirely about Mr Naidu. She credited his guidance for her successful political career and her current position as governor of the state.
Mr Venkaiah Naidu, said the country needn’t fear about the coronavirus situation. He said the temperature of the country was high and didn't support the virus’ survival. He said Indian ‘food habits’ would also help. “Indians usually eat only cooked food, not raw food. You can eat whatever kind of food you want, but cooked food is safe,” he said.