The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today attended the closing ceremony of Bharat Parv 2026 at the Red Fort Lawns, New Delhi. The six-day festival, organised by the Ministry of Tourism as part of the Republic Day celebrations, showcased India’s rich cultural diversity, artistic traditions and tourism potential.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that Bharat Parv is more than a festival and described it as a vibrant experience that brings alive the timeless spirit of India. He noted that the celebrations carried forward the spirit of the 77th Republic Day and reflected the soul of the nation through the participation of States and Union Territories.

Referring to the Republic Day Parade, the Vice-President said it stood as a powerful reflection of India’s unity in diversity, discipline in strength and progress with purpose. He also appreciated the tableaux presented by various States and Ministries, which, he said, beautifully narrated the story of a confident, creative and progressive India committed to building a Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

The Vice-President highlighted that the year holds special national significance with the commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, noting that the timeless song ignited the spirit of freedom and unity during India’s independence movement and continues to inspire reverence for the motherland.

Underscoring the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice-President said that Bharat Parv reflects the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by bringing together traditions, crafts, cuisines and artistic expressions from across the country on a single platform. He also referred to initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam as living examples of India’s enduring cultural bonds and civilisational unity.

Speaking about India’s transformation during the Amrit Kaal, the Vice-President said that infrastructure expansion, digital empowerment, financial inclusion, social security, women-led development and youth innovation are reshaping the foundations of the nation. He pointed out that the remarkable growth of domestic tourism, with over 400 crore domestic tourist visits in 2025, reflects renewed national confidence and enthusiasm to explore India.

The Vice-President noted that sustained investments in connectivity and tourism infrastructure—through improved road networks, expanded rail connectivity including Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, new airports and enhanced facilities at heritage and pilgrimage sites—are ensuring balanced regional development, especially in previously less-connected areas such as the North-East.

He congratulated the Ministry of Tourism for successfully organising Bharat Parv as its flagship annual event and for creating a platform where culture, tourism and national pride converge seamlessly. He also appreciated the artists, artisans, performers, volunteers and organisers for their dedicated efforts in making the festival inclusive, safe and memorable.

Concluding his address, the Vice-President called upon citizens to continue to explore, celebrate and build India together, expressing confidence that Bharat Parv will continue to strengthen the bonds among India’s people, regions and cultures.

Those present on the occasion included Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Srivatsa Krishna, senior officials of the Government of India, representatives of participating States and Union Territories, artists, artisans and a large number of visitors.

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PR/ASM