NEW DELHI: Vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu issued a warning against the forces and vested interests whose divisive agenda is endangering the peace and integrity of the country. 

He emphasised that it is "not Indian culture to disparage any culture, religion, or language" and urged every citizen to take responsibility for thwarting attempts to destabilise India, bring the country together, and protect the interests of the country.

The Vice President emphasised that rare instances cannot compromise India's secular ethos because India's civilizational principles teach respect and tolerance for all cultures. Shri Naidu criticised attempts to harm India's reputation on the global stage and reaffirmed that India's parliamentary democracy and pluralistic ideals are an example for the rest of the world to follow.

Releasing a book on the life journey of freedom fighter and journalist Shri Damaraju Pundarikakshudu in Vijayawada on Friday, Shri Naidu said that the "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" gives us an opportunity to reflect on the numerous sacrifices made by our leaders and freedom fighters during the freedom struggle. The book was released today in Vijayawada and chronicles the life journey of freedom fighter and journalist Shri Damaraju Pundarikakshudu. The author, Shri Yallapragada Mallikarjuna Rao, received praise from Shri Naidu for his work in compiling and doing the research for the book.

Taking note of Shri Damaraju's outstanding efforts to popularise Gandhiji's contributions through songs and drama, Shri Naidu urged media outlets to highlight the contributions of Indian freedom fighters through special programmes and a series of articles in order to teach the next generation the lessons of our forefathers.

As a "real tribute to our liberation heroes' sacrifices," the Vice President also urged the youth to work toward creating an India free from poverty, illiteracy, social inequality, and atrocities against women. He emphasised that a "split" in society -- between urban and rural areas, between social classes, and between genders -- endangers the strength of the nation overall.

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