Hyderabad: President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the fourth edition of LokManthan-2024, a cultural and intellectual conclave, in Hyderabad today. The event celebrates India’s rich heritage and diversity while fostering a spirit of unity among its citizens.
Addressing the inaugural session, President Murmu lauded the efforts of all stakeholders in organizing LokManthan, describing it as a commendable initiative to celebrate and reinforce India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. She emphasized the importance of understanding and preserving India’s diverse traditions, stating, “Diversity provides a rainbow of beauty to our fundamental unity. Whether forest dwellers, villagers, or city residents, we are all Indians.”
The President highlighted India’s historical contributions to global civilization, from religious beliefs and philosophical systems to art, medicine, and technology. She remarked, “Indian philosophical systems gifted ideal life values to the world. It is our responsibility to uphold the glorious traditions of our ancestors.”
Reflecting on the colonial era, President Murmu underscored the challenges India faced in preserving its cultural identity. She said imperialist powers not only exploited India economically but sought to destroy its social fabric, instilling a sense of cultural inferiority among citizens. She urged Indians to overcome this legacy, asserting that fostering the spirit of ‘Nation First’ is crucial for India’s development.
LokManthan-2024 provides a forum for intellectual discourse and cultural exchange, bringing together thinkers, scholars, and practitioners from across the country. President Murmu expressed her satisfaction with the conclave’s efforts to promote the spirit of Indianness and strengthen national unity.
She concluded her address by reaffirming the enduring spirit of unity in India, which has withstood efforts to divide society over centuries. “Our citizens, imbued with the spirit of Indianness, have kept the torch of national unity burning bright,” she said.
LokManthan is a biennial event that explores India’s cultural and philosophical traditions, offering a platform for dialogue on issues of national and global significance. The 2024 edition in Hyderabad focuses on bridging intellectual heritage with contemporary challenges, ensuring that India’s rich legacy continues to inspire future generations.