Secular foundations of country must be strengthened further: Vice President

Hindustani78

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Vice President's Secretariat
25-December, 2017 16:42 IST
Secular foundations of country must be strengthened further: Vice President

Addresses Udvada Utsav 2017

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the secular foundations of the country must be strengthened further and any attempt to create differences in the name of religion by vested interests and religious extremists must be nipped in the bud. He was addressing the members of Parsi community on the occasion of Iranshah Udvada Utsav 2017, in the holy village of Udvada in Gujarat today.


The Vice President said that Parsi community has made invaluable contribution to the country’s growth and progress in diverse fields from atomic energy to pharmaceuticals. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi as saying “I am proud of my country, India, for having produced the splendid Zoroastrian stock, in numbers beneath contempt, but in charity and philanthropy perhaps unequalled and certainly unsurpassed”.


The Vice President said that India’s syncretic culture and ethos form the basis of the country’s secularism. He further said that secularism was in the DNA of every Indian much before it was enshrined in the Constitution. ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’ epitomizes India’s secular ethos. India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, he added.


The Vice President said that the values of tolerance and respect for all religions have been part of Indian ethos from times immemorial. He further said that keeping the tourist potential of the town in mind, the Gujarat Government has initiated Destination Development Project and put in place some basic infrastructure in and around Iranshah Fire Temple. This heritage town is being projected as a symbol of religious tolerance and harmony as rightly suggested by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he added.


Following is the text of Vice President’s address:


“I am delighted to participate in Iranshah Udvada Utsav and felicitate two icons of the Zoroastrian Community, Mr. Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry and Dr.Farokh Udwadia. These kinds of festivals and felicitations bring people together to celebrate brotherhood, success and achievements of individuals and provide inspiration to others.

Friends, India’s syncretic culture and ethos form the basis of the country’s secularism. In fact, I have been saying that secularism was in the DNA of every Indian much before it was enshrined in the Constitution. ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’ epitomizes India’s secular ethos. India is a land of diverse cultures and religions. The values of tolerance and respect for all religions have been part of Indian ethos from times immemorial.

The secular foundations of the country must be strengthened further and any attempt to create differences in the name of religion by vested interests and religious extremists must be nipped in the bud.

Unless there is social cohesion, communal harmony and religious tolerance, the progress and development of the country will suffer. With robust macro-economic fundamentals in place, India is projected to be the third largest economy in the world by 2028. However, to achieve rapid economic growth and the New India of prosperity and peace, every Indian should work shoulder-to-shoulder in eradicating the evils like corruption, black money, castesim and criminalization of politics as also in eliminating impediments such as illiteracy, gender discrimination and atrocities on weaker sections.

I am glad that the Parsi community has made invaluable contribution to the country’s growth and progress in diverse fields from atomic energy to pharmaceuticals. Hailing the munificence of the Parsi community, Mahatma Gandhi had said: I am proud of my country, India, for having produced the splendid Zoroastrian stock, in numbers beneath contempt, but in charity and philanthropy perhaps unequalled and certainly unsurpassed”..

I am extremely pleased to be in this notified heritage town of Udvada, which is the Mecca for the Parsi community as it houses the famous, Iranshah Atash Behram, the sacred fire temple.I am told that Fire holds a central position in the Zoroastrian religion and is seen as a living, breathing embodiment of the supreme divine. Based on the sanctity of the sacred fire, the Fire Temples are categorized into three types and the highest is the Atash Behram. It is believed that the holy fire has been burning in the Iranshah Atash Ashram for over 1,290 years.

The association of the holy fire with this historic town dates back to 1742 when the then ruler Damaji Gaikwad permitted the Sanjana Priests to settle in Udvada along with their revered fire, the Iranshah.

The town with its focus on Iranshah is distinctly planned and comprises a large number of houses dating back to 250 years, reflecting unique heritage and cultural characteristics. I am told that the Iranshah is maintained by nine priestly families who settled in the town.

As part of promoting pilgrimage throughout the year to this place, the Gujarat Government has appropriately named it as Pavitra Yatradham.

I am told that in view of the tourist potential for this town, the Gujarat Government had initiated Destination Development Project and put in place some basic infrastructure in and around Iranshah Fire Temple.

I am also happy to know that this heritage town is being projected as a symbol of religious tolerance and harmony as rightly suggested by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Thank you. Jaihind!”

***


The Udvada Atash Behram, also called the Iran Shah, "King of Iran" is a fire temple of the Zoroastrian religion; one of the eight in India. It is located in Udvada (also spelled Udwada) in Gujarat on the west coast of India.





The state of Baroda traces its origins to 1721 when Pilajirao Gaekwad, an officer in the Maratha Peshwa's army, was given the task of collecting the tax


Shamsher Bahadur Damaji Rao Gaekwad was the Maharaja of Baroda (r.1732 - 1768)(died 18 August 1768).

Damajino Dero, a memorial dedicated to him located at Savli, Gujarat
 

Hindustani78

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the Iranshah Udvada Utsav 2017, in Udvada, Gujarat on December 25, 2017.


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu facilitating eminent physician, Dr. Farokh Udwadia, at the Iranshah Udvada Utsav 2017, in Udvada, Gujarat on December 25, 2017.


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the Iranshah Udvada Utsav 2017, in Udvada, Gujarat on December 25, 2017
 

kamaal

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We need to protect the Parsi, Jews and other actual minority religious community. They are sugar in our multi-cultural society, they have mixed with us very easily unlike those people who are flaunting their nonmoustache-beards while wearing "Chote bhai ka Pajama and Bade bhai ka Kurta" or those Catholic slaves who try to abuse the majority which actually allowed them within its own country to flourish.

Be secular, but be Hindu first, we are secular because we are Hindu first our religion/culture allows us to seek path of truth through different paths, remember, everybody living in this region is Hindu first then everything else.
 

Hindustani78

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Ministry of Parliamentary Affair
28-December, 2017 17:03 IST
Year End Review 2017 : Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
· Budget Session 2017:

Ø For the first time in Indian Legislative history, the presentation of Union Budget was advanced to 1st February. This is a big financial reform so as to make full funds available to line Ministries for execution of their developmental projects. Vote on Account was also dispensed with because of advancement ofthe Budget.

Ø Also for the first time the General Budget and Railway Budget were merged in 2017 and integrated Union Budget was presented. During the Budget Session, the Productivity of Lok Sabha was 113.27% and of Rajya Sabha was 92.43%; 18Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Budget Session2017.

Ø Goods & Services Tax (GST): Passing of all the enabling acts of the GST was achieved in Budget Session 2017.Passing of 4 historic Bills namely, the Central Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017, the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017, the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017 and the Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 by both Houses of Parliament enabled implementation of Goods and Services Tax across the country w.e.f. 1stJuly, 2017.



· Monsoon Session 2017


Ø Number of Bills introduced in Lok Saha was 17

Ø Number of bills passed by both Houses was 13

Ø A Special Discussion on 75th Anniversary of the ‘Quit India Movement’ was held in both Houses on 09.08.2017 to commemorate the 75thAnniversary of the ‘Quit India Movement’ and it is for the first time that the pledge of ‘Sankalp se Siddhi’ for building a New India by 2022 was taken with wide consensus among all parties during Monsoon Session 2017.

Ø Extension of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the State of Jammu & Kashmir wasa historic achievement during Monsoon Session 2017, as passing of the related bills will lead to the Economic Integration of the State with the rest of the country.

Ø The productivity of Lok Sabha was 77.94% whereas in Rajya Sabha it was 79.95%.


· Winter Session 2017 (As on 26.12.17)

Ø Number of Bills introduced in Lok Sabha was 9

Ø Number of Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament was 2


· Indian Goodwill Delegation of Parliamentarians under the leadership of Shri Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, the then Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, consisting of 10 Leaders/Members of Parliament of various political parties (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha) had visited Sweden, Norway and Israel from 29thMay-6thJune, 2017 with a view to discussing the nation’s policies and achievements in different fields with their counterparts and opinion makers in foreign countries and securing their goodwill and support in favour of India.


· Shri S.S. Ahluwalia, the then Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, distributed Prizes for the 29th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2016-2017 for Kendriya Vidyalayas and 51stYouth Parliament Competition, 2016-17 for Delhi Schools. Students, Principals and teachers in charge of 25 Kendriya Vidyalayas and 33 Delhi Schools received Trophies and Prizes from the Minister.The Youth Parliament Scheme aims at inculcating among the younger generations the spirit of self-discipline, tolerance of diverse opinion, righteous expression of views and other virtues of a democratic way of life. Besides, the scheme also acquaints the students with the practices and procedures of Parliament, techniques of discussion and debate and develops in them self-confidence, quality of leadership and the art and skill of effective oratory – the hallmarks of democracy.


· 75thAnniversary of Quit India Movement:The Ministry planned and coordinated organizing of an Exhibition cum Cultural Event throughout the country at 39 different locations during the months of August – October 2017 to celebrate 75thAnniversary of Quit India Movement and to rekindle its spirit in the form of Resolve to Make a ‘New India by 2022’, the 75thAnniversary of India’s Independence.


This exhibition titled as ‘Naya Bharat Karke Rahenge’ was organized. Further, in tune with the concept of New Digital India, 65% of the content was kept in digital, video and interactive formats.


The exhibitions were focused on India’s freedom movement from 1857 to 1947 showing various activities initiated to attain the freedom from the British rule- “The First War of Independence, 1857”, “The Champaran Satyagrah”, “The Non-cooperation Movement”, “The Dandi Yatra” and “The Quit India Movement”.


This programme was in tune with the mass campaign started by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi to take the six resolves to make the country- free of corruption; free of poverty; free of filth; free of communalism; free of terrorism and free of casteism.


*****
 

vinuzap

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The real minorities of india whose numbers are less and dwindling and needs protection:

Parsis: smaller in number but produces tata,godrej,shapoorji palonji etc

Sikkhism- instead of asking reservation one will rarely find them begging

Buddhism- knowledge powerhouse

Jews- original contributor of bollywood and very friendly
 

Tibarn

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These BJP clowns need a good slap, thumbing their nose at their own supporters constantly...
 

The Ultranationalist

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Idiot, first that fake hindu nationalist dog modi backstabbed israel by voting against the american resolution and now this shit. I am no more voting for bjp, fake bastards.
 

Suryavanshi

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Idiot, first that fake hindu nationalist dog modi backstabbed israel by voting against the american resolution and now this shit. I am no more voting for bjp, fake bastards.
Give you're vote to NOTA if not BJP definitely not the Khangress or AAP
 

indus

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A result of the continous and unhindered appeasement has been that Muslims come into our minds whenever the word minorities is used. That narrative has to be changed. Parsis, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jews are the real minorities of India and need protection for India to remain secular.
Even less info is available abt the tribals of North East, Ladakkh, Andaman etc who are the last living ancestors in our country. Our secular foundations will be strengthened only when these people are researched and their history and achievements well recorded and publicised.
 

Hindustani78

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Parsis: smaller in number but produces tata,godrej,shapoorji palonji etc
Parsis term comes from the tribes of the Fars/Pars region but in Quran its mention about Prophet Dhul-Qarnayn or Zulqarnayn and Prophet Dhul-Qarnayn or Zulqarnayn use to the follow the religion of One Supreme Creator which was the religion of Prophet Zarathustra, Zardosht in Farsi and Zaratosht in Gujarat
is traditionally believed to have lived and taught in the early part of the 6th century BC, the Gathas, which form the opening section of the Avesta, the holy book of Zoroastrianism.


Zar is a Persian, Turkish,Kurdish and Urdu that means “gold”.and Dosht means Friend.

From Pārsa it become Persia which is Greek/ Latin term. The Achaemenid Empire was not the first empire, as by 6th century BC another group of ancient people had already established the short lived Median Empire








Tomb of Cyrus in Pasargadae




Reliefs of gift-bearing delegations in Apadana staircase
 

Hindustani78

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Prime Minister's Office
03-January, 2018 12:40 IST
PM pays tributes to Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti.

“I bow to the great Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti. Hers was a life devoted to the empowerment of the poor and marginalised. She gave utmost importance to education and social reform. We are deeply guided by her ideals and are working tirelessly towards fulfilling her vision”, the Prime Minister said.

***
 

Hindustani78

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Vice President's Secretariat
07-January, 2018 05:11IST
“Literacy & education are the foundations for a strong, inclusive, gender-responsive India”: Vice President

Presents medals to students during the 34th Convocation of Banasthali Vidyapith
The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has said that Literacy and Education are the foundations for a strong, inclusive, gender-responsive India. Addressing the gathering of students and teachers during the 34th Convocation of Banasthali Vidyapith, in Tonk district of Rajasthan today, he called for holistic, life giving and character building education system.

Shri M Venkaiah Naidu lauded the Panchmukhi Shiksha model of Banasthali Vidyapith and said that the institution has adopted an innovative way to impart holistic education that enables every student to recognize her innate potential, and help in integrating the knowledge gained with its cultural and environmental context.

The Vice President said the students must understand the heritage and culture of the great Indian civilization and what it stood for. “You and I have inherited this intellectual and philosophical tradition. We must nourish the beautiful tree continuously with devotion and dedication. Diffidence and despair should be dispelled,” he said.

Shri M Venkaiah Naidu said that Women’s empowerment is a key factor in determining the country’s growth and development. “I believe that education is the best way to empower women,” the Vice President said.

“We still have formidable challenges in our country. One third of our women cannot read and write. Women enrolment in higher educational institutions is far less than men. These gender gaps need to be bridged,” he added.

The Vice President further said that we need to strategically work together and become a developed nation. “Human resources have to be enriched. We have to work diligently to provide diversified educational opportunities to enhance employability,” he added.

Following is the text of the Vice President’s address:

“It is indeed wonderful to participate in the 34th Convocation of the world’s largest residential university for women’s education, Banasthali Vidyapith.

I am grateful to your distinguished Vice-Chancellor for inviting me to deliver the Convocation address. It is a great honour to visit and be a part of this celebratory event.

Banasthali University has over the years developed a widely admired distinct identity. Conceived and nurtured by Pandit Hiralal Shastri, a senior civil servant, who gave up his well paid job to start an institution devoted to rural reconstruction, it has evolved into an excellent academic institution. His wife and co-founder of Banasthali Vidyapith, Smt. Ratan Shastri has been the moving spirit behind this institution. Generations of young girls blossomed under her personal, supportive care. She was conferred Padma Shri in 1955, Padma Bhushan in 1975 and Jamnalal Bajaj Award for outstanding contribution in the field of upliftment and welfare of women and children. I salute Pt. Hiralal Shastri, as well as Smt. Ratan Shastri and all those who helped them in shaping this great institution.

Today, we celebrate the achievements of the students who have successfully completed their programme of study. We also celebrate the tireless dedicated efforts of the faculty in shaping this university.

Dear Students,

I extend my best wishes to all of you and hope that you will make use of the knowledge and training you have acquired to pursue your own dreams.

I do hope that in addition to a fulfilled personal life, you would also be able to make a mark on the ancient land you belong to. Banasthali graduates are known the world over for their leadership qualities and have become Governors, corporate chief executives, international sportspersons, renowned artists and musicians, leading administrators, eminent educationists, social activists, and have by and large brought radical transformation in their families, organizations and surroundings. I am sure you all shall follow suit and carry the baton of leadership from your elder sisters.

Sisters and Brothers,

On this beautiful morning, I had a good opportunity to have a glimpse of the range of activities of this unique university located in sylvan surroundings. Clearly, Banasthali Vidyapith has over the last many years emerged as a dynamic educational institution preparing its students for the many roles that they may assume in life. It has carved a niche for itself among the cluster of educational institutions in the state and country and continues to spread its wings far and wide.

I feel that education should be holistic, life giving and character building. The Panchmukhi Shiksha (Five Fold Education) model of Banasthali Vidyapith is an innovative way to impart holistic education that enables every student to recognize her innate potential, and help her in integrating the knowledge gained with its cultural and environmental context.

It is indeed gratifying to note that Banasthali Vidyapith has come a long way in its journey to provide education to women. In the era when literacy was low and girls remained confined to homes, Banasthali Vidyapith became the pioneer in the cause of education of girls. In the era when the women were learning to use bicycles, Banasthali Vidyapith ensured that women rode horses, and reached for greater heights as gliders and pilots. Again in the era when women are asked to settle down in mundane jobs after professional education, Banasthali Vidyapith nurtured the likes of Ft. Lt. Avani Chaturvedi, one of the first fighter pilots inducted into Indian Air Force. Today when Science and Technology courses still remain male dominated, the students of this premier university for women are learning the Internet of Things and gaining technological skills in the most advanced industry 4.0 laboratories of Mechatronics and Robotics.

I have been told that currently Banasthali Vidyapith is the highest ranked non-governmental women’s university in India, and has been adjudged The University of the Year 2016 by FICCI, and has won several other national and international awards and honours. The day is not far when we will see the name of this university rising higher in world university rankings.

Dear Students, you should remember that a university scales new heights not only because of its existing students but also because of the engagement of its successful alumni in its entire endeavours. I hope that you will attain great heights and keep contributing not only to the success of your alma mater but also towards the wellbeing of the society, the nation and the World.

Today, we feel proud that our country has made remarkable achievements in many fields. Our universities and institutions of higher learning have produced a good number of scientists and professionals who are making extraordinary contribution in their own fields. Yet, we should not be complacent. Even the ‘best’ can become ‘better’.

I have been informed that in the last one decade Banasthali has made a significant contribution to science education and research. The student enrollment has tripled in Basic Sciences and several centres of excellence have been established. Even while visiting the science centres, I could see state-of-the-art infrastructure, world class labs with latest sophisticated equipment. I am sure that our young women scientists graduating today are an invaluable asset to the nation. I congratulate and wish each one of them a rewarding career and a fulfilling life.

Dear Students,

Ours is a country with a long, illustrious history. Will Durant, the famous philosopher, has said : “India was the motherland of our race, and Sanskrit the mother of Europe’s languages: she was the mother of our philosophy; mother, through the Arabs, of much of our mathematics; mother, through the Buddha, of the ideals embodied in Christianity; mother, through the village community, of self-government and democracy. Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all”.

Please consider what the great scientist Albert Einstein said: “We owe a lot to Indians who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.”

You and I have inherited this intellectual and philosophical tradition. The question is how aware are we of this grand inheritance. More importantly, can we continue this quest for excellence? The answer, my dear friends, lies in each Indian’s mind and heart. We must know what India stood for and then nourish the beautiful tree continuously with devotion and dedication. Diffidence and despair should be dispelled.

As our country sets itself to achieve new benchmarks in growth and development, it is beyond doubt that women’s empowerment would be a key determining factor and I believe that education is the best way to empower women. We still have formidable challenges in our country. One third of our women cannot read and write. Women enrollment in higher educational institutions is far less than men. These gender gaps need to be bridged. Literacy and education are the foundations for a strong, inclusive, gender-responsive India.

Today, we need to strategically work together and become a developed nation. Human resources have to be enriched. We have to work diligently to provide diversified educational opportunities to enhance employability. We need women and men with right knowledge, skills and attitudes to generate wealth and contribute to inclusive growth. Our country has a distinct advantage because of the demographic structure. About two thirds of our population is below 35 years of age. Equipped with skills and knowledge, this can result in a big demographic dividend. This is the task before the nation today. The government has been responding to the challenge through programmes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. However, this has to be a societal mission in which institutions like yours has a prominent role.

To me, Banasthali Vidyapith is an epitome of tradition and modernity. I have learnt that many rare books are available in the library which have been preserved by digitization. The amalgamation of Digital India, Skill India and Clean India is apparent in the campus and is worth appreciation. With the recent establishment of the Atal Incubation Centre, the institution will also be able to take pride in its young entrepreneurs and will be a role model for Start Up India campaign as well.

Banasthali Vidyapith has a unique educational ideology of Panchmukhi shiksha and over these 82 years of both struggle and glory it has emerged as a premier institution of women’s education and is well on its way to be recognized internationally for being unique in ways more than one.

You, my dear young friends, are so fortunate to be able to study in this dynamic University which is so agile. It is rooted in our rich fertile soil. Yet it liberates you to experience the fresh breeze of knowledge from everywhere. It enlivens and enlightens you through the bright sunshine of wisdom.

The logo of Banasthali Vidyapith is imbued with the same spirit of our ancient Sanskrit text “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye” (Education is that which Liberates). I hope you grow from strength to strength in the years to come. I also wish Banasthali Vidyapith, the pace setter in Women’s education, many more glorious years as the fountain – head of knowledge."

****

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu taking the salute of the ceremonial parade on his arrival, at Banasthali Vidyapeeth, in Tonk district of Rajasthan on January 07, 2018.


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inspecting the ceremonial parade, at Banasthali Vidyapeeth, in Tonk district of Rajasthan on January 07, 2018.


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting the medals to meritorious students, during the 34th Convocation of the Banasthali Vidyapeeth, in Tonk district of Rajasthan on January 07, 2018.


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering during the 34th Convocation of the Banasthali Vidyapeeth, in Tonk district of Rajasthan on January 07, 2018.


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering during the 34th Convocation of the Banasthali Vidyapeeth, in Tonk district of Rajasthan on January 07, 2018.
 

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