Southern States - Pondicherry

Epics integrated sub-continent into one country: Rao

By Our Staff Reporter

Pondicherry June 7. The Tamil Nadu Governor, P.S. Ramamohan Rao, said the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha had woven into them the concept of unity in diversity and highlighted the rich and ancient features of the country.

Inaugurating a three-day annual cultural festival `Fete de Pondicherry' held jointly by the Pondicherry Department of Art and Culture and the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, here today, he said the two epics had integrated the sub-continent into one country and one nation. The regions of Union Territory _ Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam presented a unique feature. If India was a country of more than 18 languages, Pondicherry was a State of three different languages (Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu). He felicitated the Administration for conducting the festival.

The Lieutenant Governor, Rajani Rai, presiding, referred to the national poet Subramania Bharathiar's portrayal of national integration in one of his inspiring poems. True to the vision of the poet `we need to uphold the spirit of national oneness in all walks of life and art and culture could be exploited effectively for achieving integration among the people', she said.

The Chief Minister, N. Rangasamy, said the administration was keen on promoting peace among the people. The festival attracted 200 artistes from nearly 15 States and a batch of 100 local artistes was also presenting programmes.

The Education and Art and Culture Minister, K. Lakshminarayanan, who welcomed the gathering, said Pondicherry was known for peaceful ambience.

Mr. Ramamohan Rao and Dr. Rajani Rai beat the drum to mark the inauguration of the festival.

Earlier a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect to the former Vice-President, B. D. Jatti.

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