Former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu stated on Wednesday that culture truly flourishes when it engages with pressing human concerns such as social harmony, environmental sustainability, dignity of labour, and inclusive growth. He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony for the 27th Foundation Day of Utkal University of Culture.
Expressing his pleasure at attending the event, Naidu noted that Odisha occupies a unique place in India’s civilizational narrative, where culture has always been regarded as a vital force shaping collective life. He highlighted that culture in Odisha permeates everyday life, from rituals and customs to architecture, literature, music, dance, and craftsmanship. In this regard, he emphasised the significance of having the nation’s first university dedicated exclusively to cultural studies established in the state.
Addressing the students, the former Vice President mentioned that they are not only inheritors of a rich cultural legacy but also the creators of its future. He urged them to respect tradition while embracing innovation and stressed that education should empower them to question, create, and serve society.
Noting that the present era is dominated by speed and technology, Naidu said that institutions like Utkal University of Culture remind us that progress must remain anchored in identity, ethics, and shared memory. He cautioned that development without cultural grounding risks becoming hollow.
Emphasising that culture is dynamic and continuously evolving, Naidu stated that the university’s responsibility extends beyond mere conservation to the meaningful reinterpretation of traditions through research, documentation, creative experimentation, and academic dialogue. He praised the university’s interdisciplinary approach, outreach initiatives, and community engagement, describing teachers as mentors and torchbearers who balance academic excellence with ethics and creative sensitivity.
Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, addressing the gathering, highlighted the necessity of viewing culture as a driver of innovation, enterprise, and sustainable livelihoods in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. He stated that students and alumni of the university are not only custodians of tradition but also potential cultural entrepreneurs and innovators.
“Culture is not merely something to be preserved; it is a living resource that can generate employment, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to sustainable development,” the Governor said.
In emphasising Odisha’s rich civilisational legacy, Dr Kambhampati noted that the state’s culture has remained vibrant and continuous through the ages, evolving through dialogue, synthesis, and diversity. He referenced the Kalinga War, mentioning that Emperor Ashoka’s transformation conveyed a timeless message of peace and humanism, while King Kharavela’s reign reflected courage, cultural vision, and social responsibility. He also referred to Odisha’s temple architecture, Jagannath culture, and its classical, folk, and tribal artistic traditions.
Describing former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu as a distinguished statesman known for his integrity, simplicity, and commitment to democratic and cultural values, the Governor stated that Naidu’s presence added dignity to the occasion and reaffirmed the role of culture and education in nation-building.
Among others present were Mthe inister of Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, eminent writer and Jnanpith Awardee Pratibha Ray, Vice Chancellor Prof. Prasan Kumar Swain, and Registrar Smt. Anamika Adhikari.
