Krishna story joins Arunachal, India: Nirmala Sitharaman

Hyderabad: Less than 20 hours after India ruled out reviewing it’s stand on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the ancient links that tied Arunachal Pradesh to India’s heritage and culture by mentioning the marriage of Lord Krishna and Rukmini.

Delivering the keynote address on ‘Re-Emergence of India, that is Bharat — Role of Fifth Estate’, organised by Samskruti Foundation here on Saturday, Ms Sitharaman said, “The Idu Mishmi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh still exists and they trace their ancestry to Rukhmavir, the brother of Rukmini. Lord Parashurama visited Arunachal Pradesh and performed the ‘Matruhatya Doshanivarana’ ritual there. These show broad cultural and heritage linkages of India from ancient days.”  

India and China have a border dispute over Arunachal Pradesh. India has been firm on its stand that Arunachal Pradesh is part of the country and Ms Sitharaman’s latest remarks on the cultural linkage to the region further highlights this stand. The defence minister spoke of how cultural values unite the nation by bringing people of different languages and traditions together.

“Culture is holding India together despite all the challenges we face externally and internally. Another example is Tamil Nadu’s Sangha literature that narrates songs of the Yadava community praising Lord Krishna, who is from Gujarat. Lord Balarama’s pilgrimage had mention about Tirupati and Tiruvananthapuram also,” Ms Sitharaman said.

“We are not different, but our languages are. My fear is that communication of culture is not being passed on to the next generation and we are losing touch with our great heritage. Technology gadgets are making communication easire, but is widening the gaps between individuals. The fifth estate, that is culture, should be the main pillar of our country,” she said.

RSS joint general secretary Suresh Soni said every ethnic group wanted to maintain its own identity, and every caste as well. While maintaining their identity, every ethnic group should honour the village, state and the country, he said. “Only then will unity in diversity keep the nation prospering. When ego comes into the picture, it will destroy the balance and harmony of the nation.”

Dr Varaprasad Reddy, founder of Shantha Biotech, Mr B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, Nasscom former chairman, and Justice L. Narsimha Reddy spoke at the event.

Women empowerment touched upon during meet

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman met tennis star Sania Mirza and former Test cricketer V.V.S. Laxman and other sportspersons as part of the recently-launched BJP’s initiative ‘Sampark for Samarthan’.

Ms Sitharaman briefed them on the four years performance of the Narendra Modi government. She said, “Top priority is being given to sportspersons and they are being encouraged by supporting them in every aspect.”

With Sania Mirza, Ms Sitharaman spoke on women empowerment. Apart from her official meetings, Ms Sitharaman also met Dr Soma Raju, chairman of Care Hospital, and briefed him about the Central Government Health Scheme.