Unity in diversity anchored by dharma - VP

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday highlighted the timeless concept of “dharma” as the force that binds India together, despite its people speaking different languages. Speaking at the valedictory function of the Unmesha International Literature Festival, organized by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Culture, Radhakrishnan said that India’s unity transcends linguistic and regional differences.

Dharma, he explained, means righteousness, duty, and moral principles that guide individuals and communities. It is a shared ethical framework that helps people live together in harmony, respecting each other’s differences.

“One dignitary from Europe once asked me how India remains united without a common language. I replied that while our tongues differ, dharma keeps our people together,” he said.

The vice president also challenged the notion that democracy is solely a Western concept, pointing to India’s own ancient heritage: “2,500 years ago, this land of Bihar saw the powerful Maurya Empire alongside Vaishali, one of the world’s earliest republics.”

Speaking about Unmesha, he said the festival “signifies the awakening of new ideas, narratives, and perspectives, celebrating diversity in thought and bridging divides of language, culture, geography, and ideology.” He expressed hope that the event will continue to inspire future generations of writers, thinkers, and readers.

Radhakrishnan also reflected on Bihar’s rich cultural and historical legacy, from the spiritual renaissance led by Lord Buddha and Mahavira to the globally renowned seats of learning at Nalanda and Vikramshila. He recalled the Champaran Satyagrah led by Mahatma Gandhi and praised the state’s folk traditions, including Madhubani art and the Chhath festival.

On his first visit to Bihar as vice president, Radhakrishnan was warmly received by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. He fondly referred to Khan as “an old friend from our parliamentary days” and recounted his early political journey, including volunteering with the RSS and joining the Sampoorna Kranti movement under Jayaprakash Narayan at the age of 19.

Radhakrishnan’s address wove together India’s past and present, reinforcing the idea that cultural values, historical consciousness, and dharma continue to guide the nation’s unity.