Visakhapatnam: CAA won't discriminate citizens, says Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu

Visakhapatnam: No other country has any business to interfere in India's internal affairs as the country is capable enough to decide independently and move on, said Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Launching the book 'A Child of Destiny: An Autobiography' authored by Chancellor of GITAM Koneru Ramakrishna Rao at the institution's campus here on Saturday, the Vice-President pointed out that the neighbouring countries appear to be keen on interfering in the nation's internal affairs.

Elaborating about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Venkaiah Naidu said that the CAA is not meant to discriminate Indian citizens based on the caste, creed, sex and religion. "Since India is a secular nation, we never resorted to attacking any country and never believed in colonialism but in 'Vasudhaiva kutumbakam.' 'Share and care' is the core of the Indian philosophy. But those with vested interests are trying to create a sort of negative opinion and run a 'misinformation' campaign about Kashmir which is an integral part of India. There is no question of giving even an inch of Kashmir to any other country however louder they may cry," the Vice-President stated.

Regarding education, the Vice-President laid emphasis on imparting primary education through mother tongue. "Even Dr K Kasturirangan Committee's national education policy draft also supported the same. However, communication skills play a key role and hence English cannot be ignored. Eventually, our education system needs a huge transformation," the Vice-President said. A degree-level online education programme will be offered to students from deprived sections of society by the country's top 100 educational institutions, he stated.Describing Koneru Ramakrishna Rao, an inspiring personality, Venkaiah Naidu said: "Ramakrishna Rao is a multi-faceted personality. The book 'A Child of Destiny: An Autobiography,' he has come up with is worth reading for younger generation."

Further, the Vice-President pointed out the top leaders and CEOs in multinational companies across the world belong to India. "Youth is the strength of our country," he mentioned, exhorting the youngsters to contribute to country wherever they head to in terms of pursuing their career. Discipline, hard work and dedication alone will take students to further heights, he added.

Speaking about the Parliamentary sessions, the Vice-President said, "The sessions are often being deviated. Instead of debates and discussions, it is unfortunate that some are resorting to 'unparliamentary behavior.' As political leaders, it is important to analyse what sort of message are we delivering to the youth through such behaviour?"

Later, the Vice-President appreciated the GITAM management for maintaining standards in imparting higher education with quality. Speaking on the occasion, GITAM Chancellor Prof Ramakrishna Rao said: "Destiny lies in our hands and it is important to mould it the way we want to." Ramakrishna Rao expressed his wish that Venkaiah Naidu should become the President of the country in future. GITAM VC K Sivaramakrishna and GITAM president M Sri Bharat also addressed the gathering during the book launch which was attended by Tourism Minister M Srinivasa Rao.