AMN / GOA
Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu has said that unity in diversity is India’s speciality and India is one nation and one people. He said, India has a long history of tolerance as the country does not have any history of attacking anyone despite being home to a third of the world’s wealth once and several foreign attacks.
Naidu was speaking at the India Ideas Conclave 2017 organised by the India Foundation in Bambolim, Goa Saturday.
He said that a mother, the motherland, mother tongue and the place of birth must be respected by all individuals.
The vice president said, India is set to become the fastest growing global economy as has been predicted by multiple global agencies including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and Moody’s.
Mr Naidu said, the fruits of development must reach all to ensure inclusive growth. He said, there is a need for greater focus on agriculture because over 50% of Indians are dependent on farming and India’s food security cannot depend on imports. Mr Naidu said, diversification of crop cultivation and value addition to agricultural products are needed to boost the sector.
The vice president said, simultaneous elections from the parliament to the panchayat level should be conducted to ensure better governance. He added, terrorism, black money, corruption and discrimination based on caste, religion and sex are among the biggest evils and must be addressed through legal provisions.
Mr Naidu presented the Swarajya awards to achievers in areas including politics, economics and social work at the conclave. Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar and minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha were also present at the programme.