The Vice-President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, inaugurated Navaratri Sargotsavam 2026 in Kozhikode, Keralam, on October 16, and emphasised the importance of preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while advancing on the path of development.
On the occasion, he stated that Bharat’s cultural traditions and development are complementary and contributory. The Sargolsavam was organised by the “Kesari” Malayalam weekly.
The Uprashtrapati was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concept of ‘Vikas Bhi and Virasat Bhi’ (Development and Heritage Together). It is like a banyan tree, which draws energy and strength from its deep roots and develops its branches. While accepting modernity and development, Bharat’s traditions and values continue to develop consistency and individuality.
C.P. Radhakrishnan said that Aadiparashakthi, the source of Srushti, Shakthi, Njaana and Karuna (kindness), is worshipped during Navaratri. Defeating fear with courage, injustice with justice, and ignorance with njaana are the timeless messages of Navaratri. These timeless values, he said, continue to guide society towards a better future.
Bharat stands united despite having various languages and following various styles of worship, thanks to the sharing of cultural traditions.
This reflects the essence of the concept of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat’. A Keralite becomes the Governor of Goa, and a person from Goa takes over as the Governor of Keralam; that is the beauty of Bharat.
He lauded “Kesari’s” contribution to developing democratic values and freedom of expression in Keralam’s media field. He added that Keralam would become God’s Own Country if political violence ended. The fact that C. Sadanandan Master is still alive exemplifies the principle that violence will not win.
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Navaratri Sargotsavam 2026 in Kozhikode, Keralam today.
Vice President expressed hope that Navaratri Sargotsavam would inspire the youth, encourage artists and strengthen efforts to preserve India’s cultural heritage while… pic.twitter.com/4BuyizlDlC
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) October 16, 2026
C.P. Radhakrishnan added that God is one, even though the names are different. Keralam celebrates Ramzan, Christmas and Onam together.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekkar remembered the late senior RSS Pracharak and former “Kesari” editor M.A. Krishnan. He said that M.A. Sir was the ‘karmayogi’ of Keralam’s renaissance.
The prominent personalities who spoke on the occasion lauded the contributory role of the “Kesari” weekly.
The Uprashtrapati presented the first “Sarga Kesari” Puraskar to artist P.R. Rajendran. C.P. Radhakrishnan released the book “Samghanoottandile Aksharamudrakal”.
BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master MP, Sargolsava Samiti president and famous film personality Vidhubala, and working president M.K. Prasanth were on the dais.
The “Kesari” weekly has been celebrating Navaratri Sargolsavam for several years. Several prominent personalities have addressed the gatherings, and artists par excellence have performed their art forms during the celebrations.
Now, “Kesari’s” Navaratri Sargolsavam has become a festival of Kozhikode city. People cutting across party lines make it a point to participate in it every year.
Smt. Vidhu-bala, President, Navaratri Sargotsavam Samiti; A. K. Prasanth, Working President, Navaratri Sargotsavam Samiti; and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
