VP Naidu praises Modi's UNGA address, derides Pak PM Imran's speech

In an apparent reference to UN General Assembly speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that while one was about peace and welfare, the other was about hatred and violence.

Speaking at the inaugural function of a four-day global peace summit in Rajasthan, Naidu also called upon the world to come together on the issue of terrorism and isolate those who are behind the menace.

Referring to the speeches by India and Pakistan prime ministers -- but naming neither -- at UNGA on September 27, Naidu said, "We listened to the speeches in the United Nations General Assembly. One was about peace, progress and welfare, while the other was about hatred and violence. The choice is before the world."

"The time has come to pay attention and isolate as soon as possible those who push terrorism. Then only there can be peace," he said. The Vice President said that terrorism affects development, progress, and peace of mind. "We must pay attention and come together."

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Prime Minister Modi on September 27 addressed the 74th session of the UN General Assembly exhorting the international community to stand united against terrorism. 

Imran Khan also addressed the session for around 50 minutes, far exceeding the time limit within which leaders are expected to finish the speeches, and devoted half of the time to India and Kashmir, drumming up hysteria about a nuclear war.

'Spirituality needed for creating balance in life'

The Vice President also said that nature and culture should be in harmony for a better future. Speaking on spirituality, religion and culture, Naidu said that a religion's core objective is the welfare of humanity and not violence. He said that spirituality was needed for creating balance in life. naidu further said that a new India is taking shape and youths today are capable of converting challenges into opportunities.

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He said that because of its glorious tradition and spiritual value system, India has never attacked any country but always practised and taught peace, love, tolerance, unity and universal brotherhood to the mankind.

"And only through spirituality, the long-cherished goal of universal peace, love, progress and one world family can become a reality in today's society," he stressed. Naidu also stated that spirituality and peaceful coexistence are the main aim of true religion.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, state Forest Minister Sukhram Bishnoi and other were present in the summit organised by the Brahma Kumaris. The 104-year-old head of the Brahma Kumaris, Rajyigini Dadi Janki, called for developing the practice of soul consciousness and spread peace, positivity and happiness within self and society.

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