Culture Must Engage With Real Human Concerns to Truly Flourish: M. Venkaiah Naidu

Bhubaneswar: Former Vice-President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday underscored that culture finds its true meaning and vitality when it actively engages with real human concerns such as social harmony, environmental sustainability, dignity of labour and inclusive growth. He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 27th Foundation Day of the Utkal University of Culture here.

Expressing happiness at being part of the celebrations, Naidu said Odisha holds a distinctive place in India’s civilisational journey, where culture has always been treated as a living force shaping collective life. From rituals and customs to architecture, literature, music, dance and craftsmanship, he noted, culture in Odisha seamlessly blends into everyday existence. Against this backdrop, he said, it was only natural that India’s first university exclusively dedicated to cultural studies was established in the State.

Addressing the students, the former Vice-President said they were not merely inheritors of a rich cultural legacy but also active creators of its future. He urged them to respect tradition while embracing innovation, adding that education should empower young minds to question, create and serve society.

Reflecting on the fast-paced, technology-driven nature of the present era, Naidu observed that institutions like the Utkal University of Culture serve as vital reminders that development must remain rooted in identity, ethics and shared memory. Progress without cultural grounding, he cautioned, risks becoming hollow and disconnected from societal values.

Emphasising that culture is dynamic and continuously evolving, Naidu said the responsibility of the university extends beyond conservation to the meaningful reinterpretation of traditions through research, documentation, creative experimentation and academic dialogue. He also 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.

Speaking on the occasion, Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati stressed the need to view culture as a driver of innovation, enterprise and sustainable livelihoods in a rapidly changing world. He said 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.

Highlighting Odisha’s rich civilisational legacy, Dr Kambhampati said the State’s culture has remained vibrant and continuous through the ages, evolving through dialogue, synthesis and diversity. Referring to the Kalinga War, he said Emperor Ashoka’s transformation conveyed a timeless message of peace and humanism, while King Kharavela’s reign symbolised courage, cultural vision and social responsibility. He also spoke about Odisha’s temple architecture, Jagannath culture, and its classical, folk and tribal artistic traditions.

Describing M. Venkaiah Naidu as a distinguished statesman known for his integrity, simplicity and commitment to democratic and cultural values, the Governor said his presence added dignity to the occasion and reaffirmed the vital role of culture and education in nation-building.

Among those present were Minister 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 Anamika Adhikari, along with faculty members, students and cultural practitioners.