India, Dec. 29 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed a civic reception in Puducherry and inaugurated a Housing Project under the Smart Cities Mission, during which he handed over the keys of 216 newly constructed tenements to beneficiaries, reaffirming the Government of India's commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban development.
The civic reception was organised by various organisations of Puducherry, including members of the Puducherry Citizens Forum, religious leaders, and representatives from hospitals, educational institutions, commerce and artisan associations, the Bar Council, and hotel associations, on the occasion of the Vice-President's maiden visit after assuming office, having earlier served as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President recalled his earlier tenure as Lieutenant Governor and described the Union Territory as a land of unique civilisational, cultural, and spiritual significance. Referring to the ancient port of Arikamedu, which reflected India's maritime links with the Roman world, he noted that Puducherry has always remained open to the world as a vibrant cultural centre.
Recalling India's freedom struggle, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan referred to the historic Keezhoor referendum, where an overwhelming majority voted in favour of Puducherry's merger with India, reflecting the people's deep patriotism and yearning for freedom. He emphasised the need to preserve and pass on the legacy of freedom fighters to future generations.
Expressing satisfaction over the early completion of the housing project, the Vice-President observed that a house is not merely a physical structure, but a source of dignity, security, and a better future for families. The project had been closely monitored by him during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor.
The Vice-President also visited the houses handed over at the Kumaraguru Pallam site and interacted with the beneficiaries, who thanked him for expediting the project's early completion.
Highlighting welfare initiatives of the Government of India, the Vice-President referred to schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, noting that direct benefit transfer mechanisms have ensured transparency and effective delivery of assistance.
He appreciated the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the mission of "Housing for All" and lauded the efforts of the Government of Puducherry in effectively implementing the project.
Later, Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the Senior Secondary Block of Petit Seminaire CBSE School in Puducherry. He appreciated the institution's commitment to holistic education and value-based teaching, built upon its 181-year legacy.
Highlighting education as the only imperishable wealth, the Vice-President urged students to pursue knowledge with depth, integrity, and social responsibility. He observed that Viksit Bharat @2047 will not be built merely through infrastructure, but through the integration of knowledge, character, and social responsibility.
He also highlighted the transformative impact of the National Education Policy 2020, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, which has shifted India's education system from rote learning to critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development.
Later in the day, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan unveiled the statue of Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar at the Bharatiyar Memorial in Puducherry, paying rich tribute to the legendary poet who awakened a nation with fearless words, revolutionary ideas, and boundless love for Tamil and Bharat.
Expressing deep pleasure, the Vice-President said it was a matter of great pride to unveil the statue on the very soil where Mahakavi Subramania Bharati lived for nearly a decade with free thought and creative brilliance. He noted that Bharatiyar's years in Puducherry, marked by deep philosophical inquiry and the pursuit of wisdom, are widely regarded as the golden age of modern Tamil literature.
The events were attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Thiru K. Kailashnathan; Chief Minister Thiru N. Rangasamy; public representatives; and other dignitaries.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
