Lord Rama’s Ideals Apt Solutions for Social Evils, Says Venkaiah Naidu
Addressing a large gathering at the Sri Rama Shrine in Sriramapuram near his village Choutapalem in SPSR Nellore district on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami on Saturday
Nellore: Former vice president of India M. Venkaiah Naidu emphasised that ideals of Lord Rama are the most appropriate solutions for social evils like discrimination and intolerance still seen in parts of the society today.
Addressing a large gathering at the Sri Rama Shrine in Sriramapuram near his village Choutapalem in SPSR Nellore district on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami on Saturday, Venkaiah Naidu said people look up to Rama not just as a deity, but a role model whose life offers deep inspiration. He stated that Lord Rama’s governance, known as “Rama Rajya”, is a state free from corruption, injustice, inequality and wrongdoing.
“Rama Rajya is the only real solution for the unrest, rising crimes and social discord we see today,” the former vice president said. He called on youth and elders alike to emulate Lord Rama’s character and values—truthfulness, integrity, moral conduct—and contribute towards building a “Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”
Venkaiah Naidu said many believe that epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatam are merely for the elderly. “This is a misconception. These timeless texts provide invaluable guidance to youth. They should be part of academic curricula,” he underlined.
Highlighting the importance of community-led temple maintenance, the former vice president asked villagers to actively safeguard temple lands from encroachment. He advised temple’s tenants to pay fair market rents to aid temple development, “Everyone should see divine service as their personal responsibility. Only then, temples can flourish and be spiritual beacons for future generations,” he observed.
Venkaiah Naidu and his spouse Usha participated in the ceremonial celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Sita at the Sriramapuram Temple. Their grandson Vishnubabu and his spouse Satvika, as well as the latter couple’s daughter Deepa Venkat accompanied them.
The former vice president made it a point to spend time interacting warmly with the villagers of both Choutapalem and Sriramapuram.