All religions must be respected: Vice President

Mangaluru, May 31: Vice President, C. P. Radhakrishnan Sunday said that all religions must be treated with equal respect and dignity, while any form of forced religious conversion should be discouraged.
Speaking after inaugurating Matrushree Industrial Park situated at Renkedaguthu in Belthangady, he said that the dream of a prosperous rural India can truly be realised through institutions like SIRI, which have empowered thousands of women and rural families through livelihood generation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the values upheld by Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, the Vice President said that Indian civilisation has always respected all faiths and emphasised that Bhakti, irrespective of religion, contributes to social harmony and moral strength.
Stressing the importance of preserving the spirit of secularism, the Vice-President said that all religions must be treated with equal respect and dignity, while any form of forced religious conversion should be discouraged.
The Vice President praised Rajya Sabha MP and President of SIRI, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, describing his life as “a message to society”. He said that for nearly six decades, Dr. Heggade has demonstrated how spirituality can become a powerful force for constructive social transformation.
The Vice-President also appreciated the contribution of Hemavathi V. Heggade towards women empowerment and social welfare. He observed that the success of any social mission is strengthened by the support and commitment of one’s life partner.
Noting that SIRI today supports the livelihoods of more than 3,000 individuals directly and over 10,000 indirectly, most of them women from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Vice-President described this as “social transformation in its truest sense”.
The Vice President said that true development must touch human lives and create dignity, opportunity and confidence among every section of society. He added that inclusive development for every citizen lies at the heart of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
Highlighting the growth journey of SIRI, the Vice President observed that the institution was built through perseverance, innovation, sacrifice and dedication and has remained quality-oriented. He particularly appreciated the newly inaugurated SIRI Mathrushree Industrial Park’s human-centric approach, including hostel facilities for women employees, residential quarters, childcare support systems, hygienic kitchens, transportation facilities and welfare amenities.
Commending the diversity of activities undertaken by SIRI, the Vice President said the institution has successfully combined traditional skills with modern management practices. He remarked that efficient and compassionate management is essential for the growth of any institution and expressed happiness that SIRI has adopted a scientific yet humane approach to administration.
Referring to the national vision of self-reliance, the Vice President said the spirit of “Vocal for Local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” must guide India’s development journey. Calling SIRI a model worthy of national replication, the Vice-President said the institution demonstrates that industries can be socially responsible, women-centric, environmentally conscious and deeply humane. He expressed hope that similar rural industrial ecosystems would emerge across the country.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President visited the Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple at Dharmasthala, where he offered prayers and sought blessings. He also visited the Annapoorna Prasada Nilaya, interacted with devotees, and appreciated the temple’s enduring tradition of community service and free mass feeding rooted in compassion, equality and devotion.
Governor of Karnataka Thawar Chand Gehlot, Rajya Sabha MP and President of SIRI Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Lok Sabha MP Brijesh Chowta and Founder of SIRI Hemavathi V. Heggade were among those present on the occasion.