The Vice‑President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, graced the concluding edition of Trivandrum Fest 2025 as the chief guest, underlining the event’s role as a celebration of ideas, culture and community cohesion. The festival, held in the state capital of Kerala, has been observed as part of the Christmas–New Year Peace Carnival, organised jointly by the South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India and the Assembly of Christian Trust Services.
Addressing a diverse gathering, Shri Radhakrishnan described the festival as a vibrant platform that reflects the rich civilisational ethos of India and the inclusive spirit that binds its people. He emphasised that such cultural celebrations do more than entertain; they serve as bridges that strengthen social harmony and encourage mutual respect across faiths and communities.
The Vice‑President praised Trivandrum Fest for bringing together people from different walks of life, noting that it offers a shared space where joy, creativity and dialogue can flourish. He observed that festivals of this nature foster meaningful exchanges in art, literature, technology and public policy, while also nurturing the creative economy. This, he said, aligns well with India’s ongoing transformation and its aspiration to become a more cohesive and progressive society.
Highlighting the significance of Kerala’s cultural landscape, Shri Radhakrishnan referred to the state as “God’s Own Country”, renowned for its natural beauty, serene backwaters and lush greenery. However, he also drew attention to Kerala’s strong social values, deep cultural awareness and peaceful coexistence, elements that make Thiruvananthapuram a fitting host for an inclusive festival of this scale.
Speaking about the broader national context, he reiterated that the ethos of festivals like Trivandrum Fest resonates with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said, the country is advancing with confidence, driven by innovation, infrastructure growth, digital empowerment and inclusive development. In this narrative, cultural platforms play an important role by promoting local talent and enhancing India’s soft power on the global stage.
The event saw participation from several dignitaries, including the Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Trivandrum, Most Rev. Dr Thomas J. Netto; and local civic leaders. Representatives from the South Kerala Diocese and the Assembly of Christian Trust Services were also present, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the festival.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
