Practice Your Religion But Don't Indulge In Hate Speech: Vice President

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said secularism is in the blood of every Indian and the country is respected world-over for its culture and heritage.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday expressed his strong disapproval of attempts to ridicule other religions and create dissensions in the society, saying every person has the right to practice and preach his or her faith in the country.

"Practice your religion but don't abuse and indulge in hate speech and writings," the Vice President said at an event organised to mark the 150th death anniversary of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a spiritual leader and social reformer from the Kerala Catholic community, at Mannanam near here.

Observing that hate speeches and writings are against culture, heritage, traditions, constitutional rights and ethos, Mr Naidu said secularism is in the blood of every Indian and the country is respected world-over for its culture and heritage.

In this context, the Vice President called for strengthening the Indian value system, an official statement said.