TIRUPATI: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasised the need for connecting the younger generation with India’s rich heritage.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 7th Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan at National Sanskrit University in Tirupati on Friday, he urged parents and teachers to teach the stories of our epic heroes Rama, Krishna, Arjuna and Hanuman to children, highlighting their virtues, courage and wisdom to inspire and motivate them. India’s mythological heroes embody far greater values, strength and ideals than fictional characters like Spiderman, Batman or Superman, he observed.
Naidu said understanding the epics helps the youth differentiate between good and evil, instills moral values and fosters pride in India’s timeless contributions to philosophy, ethics and governance.
He underscored the importance of preserving India’s knowledge systems while advancing science and technology for the future.
Reflecting on ancient achievements, he referred to Indus Valley civilisation’s urban planning, the global spread of yoga, the foundations of Ayurveda, and renowned centres of learning such as Takshashila and Nalanda.
He recalled the contributions of great Indian thinkers, including Aryabhata, Bhaskaracharya, Charaka, Dhanvantari and Kautilya, describing them as enduring sources of inspiration. He noted that platforms like the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan provide an important space to reflect on Indian identity, culture, and intellectual heritage. “The Sammelan is playing a vital role in presenting Indian knowledge traditions to the world, and expanding their global understanding,” Naidu said.
Naidu emphasises values and ethics, cites role of RSS in nation-building
Naidu emphasised the importance of values and ethics in nation-building, acknowledging the role played by leaders such as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in strengthening society at the grassroots level. He described India’s family system as a unique strength that provides security, stability, and social cohesion.
Expressing confidence that India would emerge as the world’s number one nation by 2047, he stressed the need to ensure inclusive growth by reducing disparities between the rich and the poor.
Highlighting the future, he said India would re-emerge as a global champion in science and technology. He announced that Andhra Pradesh would soon operate a quantum computer, and spoke about improved connectivity through telecom reforms. He further highlighted the establishment of specialised hubs, including Space City, Drone City, Aerospace City, Electronics City, and MedTech Parks across the State.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh provided a comprehensive overview of India’s technological and economic rise over the past decade. He revealed that India has made a remarkable leap in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 81st to 38th rank.
The Union Minister specifically noted that India’s space economy has climbed to the 8th position globally, with projections suggesting it could reach $44 billion by 2033.
He also underscored India’s growing self-reliance in the defence and healthcare sectors. He highlighted the significant global demand for the Brahmos missile, and India’s role as a leading exporter of Covid-19 vaccines.
Mohan Bhagwat highlighted India’s dual journey towards spiritual depth and scientific excellence. He described dharma not merely as a religion, but as the “science governing the functioning of creation,” asserting that both fields ultimately seek the same truth through different methodologies. Mohan Bhagwat emphasised need for developing a scientific outlook in Indian society while remaining rooted in religious and cultural values.
He stressed that India is destined to become great, the demand of the time is that a rising India should not be only a great power focused on self-defence, but should become a Vishwaguru (teacher of the world) and free the world from its problems.
The national event is being jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Education, Vijnana Bharati, Indian Knowledge Systems, APCOST, National Innovation Foundation, and National Sanskrit University,