Speaking at a felicitation in Chennai, Vice‑President C. B. Radhakrishnan urged that India must be a strong nation so its states can prosper. Addressing a gathering at Kalaivanar Arangam organised by the M.G.R. Trust, he said national strength was not aimed at intimidating other countries but at ensuring no nation would dare threaten India again.
Strong India and the Benefit to States
Radhakrishnan opened by emphasising the deep roots of Tamil culture in India’s civilisational history. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with raising the profile of Tamil language and culture on international platforms, noting that Modi often references the ancient Tamil maxim “Yathum Oore, Yavarum Kelir” to underline unity.
The vice‑president recalled his childhood readings about leaders such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel and said those examples shaped his understanding of patriotism. He praised the work of Dr K. B. Hedgewar, founder of the RSS, for his selfless labour and commitment to society, and said such public service embodied an unfailing love of country.
Rejecting any idea that a powerful India should be feared, Radhakrishnan made clear that strength was intended to protect the nation and its states. “If states are to enjoy true benefits, India must stand strong,” he said, stressing that strength should remove even the possibility of another country dreaming of threatening India.
He also spoke about the importance of respecting local sentiments. Citing historical examples, Radhakrishnan noted that rulers such as Rajendra Chola extended influence across regions from the south to parts of modern‑day Indonesia and Cambodia while honouring the peoples they governed. He contrasted that tradition of respect with the divisive strategies of the British, saying colonial rule introduced and deepened communal divisions, a lesson modern India must never repeat.
The vice‑president stated that India’s social harmony has evolved and that the nation now welcomes people from across the world. He suggested that time itself teaches valuable lessons about unity and inclusion.
The felicitation drew a wide array of dignitaries, including former Chief Justice A. C. Shanmugam, BJP founder Parivendhar, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nainar Nagendran, Union Minister Murugan, retired judges Vallinayagam and Jothimani, university chancellor I. S. A. R. Ganesh, film director Bhagyaraj, former deputy vice‑chancellor of the medical university Sudha Sheshayan, and cardiac specialist Sokkalingam, among others.
Organisers said the event aimed to honour Radhakrishnan’s public service and to celebrate the cultural connections that bind India’s states. The vice‑president’s remarks combined appeals for national strength with calls to recognise local heritage and to uphold mutual respect among communities.
As India positions itself on the global stage, Radhakrishnan’s message framed strength as a prerequisite for regional benefit and national dignity, arguing that a secure, respected India would be better placed to protect the interests of its states and citizens.
Key Takeaways:
- Vice‑President C. B. Radhakrishnan said a Strong India is necessary to secure benefits for states and to deter threats.
- He highlighted the primacy of Tamil culture and praised Prime Minister Modi for promoting Tamil heritage internationally.
- Radhakrishnan reflected on historical leaders, RSS founder Dr Hedgewar’s service, and the value of respecting regional sentiments.
- Senior politicians, judges and cultural figures attended the Chennai felicitation.
