The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, participated Trivandrum Fest 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram today,

The Christmas–New Year Peace Carnival is being celebrated as Trivandrum Fest, by the South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India in association with the Assembly of Christian Trust Services.

Addressing at the festival , The Vice-President described  the festival as a vibrant celebration of ideas, creativity, culture, and community spirit that reflects India’s rich civilisational ethos and inclusive social fabric. He  said that festivals such as Trivandrum Fest highlight the intellectual and cultural vitality of the nation and underscore the power of collective celebration in strengthening social harmony.

Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan described the State as “God’s Own Country”, known not only for its natural beauty, serene backwaters, and lush greenery, but also for its strong social values, cultural awareness, and spirit of peaceful coexistence. He noted that Thiruvananthapuram uniquely blends tradition and modernity, symbolising the finest spirit of India where heritage and progress move together in harmony.

He observed that Christmas carries a universal message of goodwill and compassion and is a celebration not confined to faith alone, but meant for all who strive to build a positive and humane society.

Highlighting the inclusive character of the festival, Shri C P Radhakrishnan said that Trivandrum Fest brings together people from diverse walks of life and faiths, providing a shared space for joy, creativity, and dialogue. He noted that such platforms play an important role in encouraging conversations across art, literature, technology, entrepreneurship, and public policy.

Referring to India’s ongoing transformation, the Vice-President said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is progressing confidently towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, driven by innovation, infrastructure development, digital empowerment, and inclusive growth. He emphasised that cultural festivals can meaningfully contribute to this national vision by nurturing creative economies, promoting local talent, and strengthening India’s soft power globally.

The event was attended by the Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Trivandrum, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Netto; Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, Shri V. V. Rajesh; General Secretary, Assembly of Christian Trust Services, Shri George Sebastian; Secretary, CSI South Kerala Diocese, Dr. T. T. Praveen; Chairman, Trivandrum Fest, Shri Baby Mathew Soma-theeram; and other dignitaries, artists, and representatives of social and cultural organisations.

****

PR/ASM