Vice President Venkaiah Naidu virtually releases the book ‘Kotha (Corona) Kathalu’
- Venkaiah Naidu virtually releases the book ‘Kotha (Corona) Kathalu’, an anthology of 80 short stories in Telugu by eminent writers
Noting the effect of mental stress and fear among people, he said that misinformation on COVID-19 and vaccination is a matter of serious concern. The Vice President urged icons in different fields, doctors, and others to dispel fears and create awareness among the people on the importance of vaccination.
Pointing out that India is implementing the world’s largest vaccination drive, Naidu emphasized that every Indian has a social responsibility to get vaccinated and encourage others to immunize themselves. Vaccination drive should become a peoples’ movement and it should be led by the youth, he added.
Releasing the book ‘Kotha (Corona) Kathalu’, an anthology of 80 short stories on COVID-19 in Telugu by eminent authors from across the world, Naidu suggested to people to adopt five principles to combat the pandemic--leading an active lifestyle that includes regular physical exercise or yoga, seeking spiritual solace, consuming healthy nutritious food, observing Covid-appropriate behavior like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently and to always protect and live in harmony with nature.
He also stressed the need for behavioural changes in the wake of the pandemic.
Asserting that India has fared reasonably well in tackling the pandemic in spite of the huge population and lack of adequate health infrastructure, he commended the efforts of scientists, doctors, health workers, and others in playing an invaluable role in containing the spread of Corona virus.
Observing that the pandemic has underlined the importance of regular physical activity, Naidu said modern lifestyle and sedentary habits have led to the increasing prevalence of many non-communicable diseases.
Naidu pointed to the importance of mental health as a public health issue in the wake of the pandemic and the need to address it in a holistic manner. He said that meditation and spirituality would help in maintaining a balanced life. Highlighting the importance of consuming a balanced diet, he cautioned people, particularly the youth, against becoming addicted to fast food.
The Vice President also spoke about the importance of personal hygiene, which he said was reinforced by the pandemic. He urged people to follow precautions even after getting vaccinated.
Observing that the Indian ethos is to love and live in harmony with nature, the Vice President underscored the need to keep living spaces well-ventilated and well-lit.
On this occasion, Naidu also paid rich tributes to the legendary singer, late S.P. Balasubramaniam, to whom the book is dedicated. Recalling the life of the versatile singer, Naidu said in the five decades of his musical journey, S.P. Balasubramaniam left an indelible mark on the musical world. Commending the efforts of the authors and the publishers for bringing out the book, Naidu reiterated the need to preserve our native languages and mother tongues.
He said the medium of education should be in the mother tongue up to primary education. He also said that importance should be accorded to the usage of the local language in administration and judiciary. He also called for gradually increasing the use of Indian languages in technical education. Naidu urged people to always speak in their native languages without belittling other languages.
Mandali Buddha Prasad, Former AP Assembly Deputy Speaker, Dr. Alla Srinivas Reddy, US-based cardiologist, Dr. C M K Reddy, All India Telugu Federation President, Dr. Kesani Mohan Kishore, US-based cardiologist, Vamsee Ramaraju, founder-president of Vamsee Art Theatre, and several others from India and abroad participated in the virtual event.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu receives the first copy of the English translation of Thummeti Raghothama Reddy's book- 'Terrace Garden: Midde Thota':
The Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu today received the first copy of the English translation of Thummeti Raghothama Reddy's book- 'Terrace Garden: Midde Thota'.The book, originally written in Telugu, chronicles Reddy's successful journey of developing a fruitful terrace garden at Naarapalle, Hyderabad. Naidu commended the translator Koduru Sitarama Prasad and the publisher Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao for their efforts in bringing out the book.
The Vice President appreciated Reddy for using age-old traditional methods of farming in his terrace garden. In the past seven years, Reddy was able to reap 25 quintals of vegetables in a small area of 1230 square feet and all this was done using only soil and animal manure. No chemicals were used in his terrace garden. Noting this remarkable feat, Naidu said, "Terrace gardening is a wonderful idea as it can provide us with nutritious food that is cost-effective."
Highlighting the benefits of having a terrace garden, the Vice President said that it not only gives fresh produce of chemical-free fruits and vegetables but also increases the levels of oxygen in the surrounding air. "Gardening brings one close to nature and it can also relieve mental stress" he added.
The book 'Terrace Garden: Midde Thota' gives an insight into the practical methods and techniques that can be adopted while cultivating a terrace garden. Naidu said that the book inspires people to take up terrace gardening and is a perfect guide for those who want to nurture a terrace garden of their own. The Vice President urged people with empty spaces at home to try cultivating gardening as a hobby.