Vice President Engages with Youth Delegation from Darjeeling, Advocates for Cultural Heritage Preservation

by

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat

New Delhi, February 24: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan met with a youth delegation from Darjeeling at the Vice President’s residence on Tuesday. Welcoming the delegation, he expressed his joy in engaging with vibrant young minds from a region renowned for its natural beauty and rich culture.

He emphasized that the youth represent the hopes of a confident and forward-thinking India. Present at the meeting was Rajya Sabha member Harshvardhan Shringla.

C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted India’s demographic strength as its greatest asset. He called upon young citizens to contribute to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India through innovation, integrity, and entrepreneurship. He stressed that self-reliance reflects confidence in our capabilities and pride in our heritage.

During the discussion, students raised questions about out-migration, sustainable tourism, disaster resilience, Darjeeling tea, and sports infrastructure. On migration, the Vice President noted it is a global phenomenon driven by economic aspirations. However, he emphasized the importance of preserving identity, culture, and traditions. He advocated for environmentally responsible development to strengthen the regional economy, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism.

Addressing the vulnerabilities of hilly areas, the Vice President underscored the importance of better disaster preparedness, infrastructure, and collaborative efforts, including initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He acknowledged the global recognition of Darjeeling tea and encouraged value addition and entrepreneurship. Regarding sports, he stressed the need for integrated infrastructure and institutional support to nurture grassroots talent.

The Vice President expressed delight at seeing the youth in their traditional attire, stating his respect for those who thoughtfully strive to preserve their culture and traditions. He urged the youth to embrace opportunities in a changing world while staying connected to their heritage, expressing confidence that they will play a crucial role in building a developed and self-reliant India.


P.S.K.

Leave a Comment

BREAKING NEWS: