Chennai, Sept 24:
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday called upon the youth to rise above regional and cultural differences and uphold the constitutional spirit of fraternity while working towards a strong and self-reliant India.
Arlekar was inaugurating the eight-day Vande Mataram camp at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai campus. Organised jointly by My Bharat, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and VIT Chennai, the camp has brought together young participants from different States to promote cultural exchange, national integration and an appreciation of India’s diversity.
In his address, the Governor highlighted India’s enduring civilisational legacy and the shared cultural and historical consciousness that has shaped the country. He said the participants would get an opportunity to experience the traditions and cultural heritage of Assam, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Puducherry and Telangana during the camp.
Emphasising the constitutional spirit of fraternity, Arlekar urged the youth to recognise the unity that binds Indians to a common motherland. He called upon them to let the spirit of Rashtriyata inspire purposeful action towards building a strong and self-reliant Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The programme also featured cultural performances, including a group dance by the Kerala and Assam teams showcasing the distinctive traditions and artistic heritage of the two States. My Bharat Tamil Nadu State Director S Senthil Kumar delivered the welcome address, while PIB and Central Bureau of Communication Chennai Additional Director General J Kamaraj delivered the felicitation address.
VIT Chancellor G Viswanathan and VIT Chennai Vice-President G V Selvam were among those who participated in the event.