March 21, New Delhi – Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 29th National Session of the Indian Youth Parliament today at the Maharshi Vyas Sabhagrah in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The session was held on the theme "Indian Languages and a Developed India – 2047."
Referring to Nagpur, the Vice-President noted the city's significance as the birthplace of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925. He said the organization's journey from a small initiative to a large national movement reflects the spirit of "Rashtra Pratham" and dedication to the nation.
Appreciating the Indian Youth Parliament National Trust for over two decades of work, he said the organization has connected youth across regions, strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Speaking on the theme, the Vice-President emphasized that India's linguistic diversity is a great strength. He said speaking in one's mother tongue is not "regional" but "original," and that every language carries its own heritage, forming the cultural harmony of the nation. He also highlighted efforts to make the Constitution of India available in multiple Indian languages and stressed that promoting linguistic diversity is essential for national development.
The Vice-President stated that the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 cannot be achieved through borrowed ideas; India must innovate from its roots, think in native languages, and move forward with confidence in its civilizational identity. He appreciated the role of Central Sanskrit University in promoting Sanskrit and Indian languages, noting Sanskrit's connection to many Indian languages and its importance in India's knowledge tradition.
Emphasizing dialogue in a democracy, he reflected on his experience as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, saying differences of opinion should lead to constructive discussion and solutions. Platforms like the Youth Parliament, he added, teach respectful debate, listening to diverse perspectives, and arriving at consensus.
Describing the Youth Parliament as a training ground for life and leadership, the Vice-President urged students to develop leadership, discipline, and a spirit of national service. Addressing the youth, he said they are the "Amrit Generation" who will witness India becoming a fully developed nation by 2047 and expressed confidence that the Youth Parliament will contribute meaningfully toward this goal.
Earlier, the Vice-President paid floral tribute at the Samadhi of RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Bhavan in Nagpur.
(Source: Vice President's Secretariat)