Bantwal: Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Feb 25: Tamil Nadu state BJP president and former IPS officer Annamalai K delivered a powerful address at a national conference in Kalladka, urging youth to draw inspiration from historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and contribute to nation-building.
Speaking at the event titled "Present-day India: Truth vs Myth" at the Azad Bhavan of Sri Rama Degree College, he emphasised the need for fostering national pride and patriotism, especially among the younger generation.
The event, hosted by Kalladka Shri Rama Vidyakendra and Sri Rama First Grade College, began with prayers and rituals from the Bhagavad Gita and sacred texts, setting the tone for the discussions that followed. Annamalai’s keynote address, focusing on the theme “My Country – My Responsibility,” highlighted India’s rich cultural legacy and the necessity of preserving it. He urged that despite differences in language, religion, and culture, unity in diversity must be our guiding mantra.
In a call to action for youth, Annamalai questioned the trend of educated young people from rural areas moving abroad, asking, "Who will build our nation if we continue to lose our brightest minds to foreign shores?" He emphasised that religion had played a vital role in India’s economic progress, citing the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and the Tirupati temple as key examples of religious institutions contributing to national prosperity.
Addressing political critiques surrounding religious events like the Kumbh Mela, Annamalai defended its significance, calling the event one of the largest and most successful in the world. He also stressed that the dream of “Akhand Bharat” (Undivided India) would only be realised when the culture and values of India are embraced across the nation.
Annamalai praised Kalladka Shri Rama Vidyakendra for its Gurukul-based educational system, which integrates national values and aims to bring about meaningful changes in the country’s education landscape.
He lauded Dr Prabhakar Bhat, the founder of Shri Rama Vidyakendra, for his relentless efforts to transform the Indian education system and provide students with a value-based education rooted in national identity. He further encouraged that teacher training programmes should focus on this Indian educational framework to ensure its continuity.
Urging the students present to take full advantage of the insights offered by the resource persons, Annamalai reminded them that the knowledge gained at such events should not be seen as an immediate tool for success but as an enduring resource for future generations.
Dr Prabhakar Bhat, in his inaugural speech, expressed concern over the erosion of national issues in textbooks and mainstream media. He highlighted how Kalladka Shri Rama Vidyakendra has been consistently working towards presenting the truth about national matters and educating the public.
Dr Bhat also praised the leadership of Modi and Yogi in Prayagraj, asserting that it was the Hindu community's efforts that united the country. He urged the youth to continue exposing falsehoods and promote truth in society.
The conference featured sessions from distinguished speakers, including Dr Vikram Sampath, a historian from Bengaluru, who discussed “The Lessons Learned and Unseen Perspectives,” and advocate Kshama Nargund, who elaborated on the concept of "Narrative Thinking." The final session was led by social activist Shrikanth Shetty from Karkala, who shared his insights on “Unrevealed Truths of Israel.”
Earlier in the day, Annamalai and the other speakers visited the children’s home and primary school classrooms, where they were briefed about the activities of Shri Rama Vidyakendra by Dr. Prabhakar Bhat.
The event concluded with Krishna Prasad Kayer Katte, the principal of the institution, offering a warm welcome. Student Sandhya Lakshmi delivered the vote of thanks, while student K Puneetha efficiently managed the event, and K. Swatilakshmi expressed gratitude to all attendees.