New Delhi, 12 April (H.S.): Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan declared on Sunday that modern development and cultural preservation are mutually reinforcing. True national advancement flourishes only when progress and heritage advance in tandem.

The Vice President made these remarks while inaugurating a conference at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi titled Transformation of Tribal Lives through Science and Technological Interventions – Preserving Language, Faith, and Culture. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) and ITITI Doon Sanskriti School, Dehradun, the event highlighted symbiotic integration.

He elaborated, Achieving a developed India by 2047 does not entail forsaking our culture. The mantra 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (Development as well as Heritage) signifies embracing modern technology while safeguarding ancient traditions, as they complement each other profoundly.

The Vice President emphasized that when contemporary science harmonizes with language, faith, and culture, it emerges as a potent catalyst for preservation and empowerment. Tribal communities possess invaluable traditional knowledge aiding biodiversity and sustainable forest resource utilization, having safeguarded India's ancient culture, beliefs, and civilizational legacy for centuries.

He spotlighted immense potential for green economic growth in tribal regions, praising their generational mastery in design, textiles, and color palettes. Paying homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for establishing the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, he described it as a moral commitment to justice, dignity, and opportunities for these communities.

Highlighting key government initiatives, he referenced the Pradhan Mantri-Janman program, which has approved over 2,400 roads spanning 7,300 kilometers and more than 160 bridges. He also cited the Dharti Aabha Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, targeting clean water, housing, education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods across 63,000 tribal villages.

The Vice President underscored transformative infrastructure and connectivity gains in the North East, reaffirming the government's dedication to inclusive progress.

Among attendees were Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, and former MP and ITITI Doon Sanskriti School founder trustee Tarun Vijay.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar