Hindu philosophy never allowed untouchability: Venkaiah Naidu

KOCHI

: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday that caste system is not consistent with the view of Hindu philosophers like Sankaracharya and Ramanuja.

Naidu, while speaking at an award function at Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering Technology, criticised the practice of casteism in mordern India and said that inclusion is the need of the hour.

“Sankaracharya's message was that of inclusion. Inclusion is the need of the hour. We should not exclude and deny opportunities to anybody,” said the vice president before heading to the Adi Shankara Janmabhoomi Ashram in Kalady.

“Unfortunately, even after so many years of civilisation and independence, we hear stories of untouchability, where someone is not allowed to enter a temple or area of work. It is nonsense. The Hindu philosophy has never allowed this,” said Venkaiah Naidu, while speaking to the young audience at the college.

During the function, Naidu said, “Indian history is replete with a number of scientists, mathematicians, physicians, chemists, metallurgists, surgeons, astronomers and a number of innovators who have significantly advanced human knowledge. One recalls a number of such illustrious names like Aryabhata, Pingala, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara, Varahamihira, Charaka, and Sushruta. India gave the concept of “zero” and the “binary system” to the world. We knew how to make steel alloys and smelt zinc. Our ancient surgeons could conduct many complicated surgeries including plastic surgery and cataract surgery.”

In the contest for the students from class VIII to XII in which nearly 300 teams took part, the first place was bagged by Government Higher Secondary School Kaniyambetta, Wayand. Students from SMV Higher Secondary school came in at second place and students from Government Higher Secondary School for Girls Cotton Hill, Thiruvananthapuram secured the third place.

“I’m happy to learn that some of the winners here are from government-run schools. It is a testament to the motoring of the government and ability, knowledge and talent of the ordinary children from ordinary families. I am happy,” he added.

The vice-president arrived at Cochin International Airport at around 10am. After his visit to Kalady, he returned to the airport and left Guruvayur in a chopper.