‘Dharma’ has kept nation united, says V-P in poll-bound Bihar

He made the remark in his address to the valedictory function of Unmesha International Literature Festival in Patna. "One dignitary from Europe once asked me how India remains united despite having no common language. I replied that the people here may speak in different languages, but they remain united through the concept of dharma," he said.

Radhakrishnan was received warmly at the airport by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. In his speech at the function, Radhakrishnan called Governor Khan "an old friend, since the days when both of us were members of Parliament".

The Vice-President who, on his way to the venue, made a brief halt and paid floral tributes to a statue of legendary socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan, recounted his own association with the 'Loknayak'.

"I had immersed myself, at the age of 19, in the Sampoorna Kranti movement launched by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. I went on to become a district general secretary of the movement for total revolution," said Radhakrishnan.

He also highlighted Bihar’s ancient centers of learning, including Nalanda and Vikramshila universities, which attracted scholars from across Asia. He also reflected on Bihar’s status as an intellectual powerhouse of the ancient world.

He praised the efforts of the Centre and the state government, with international support, in reviving Nalanda University. He also mentioned Bihar’s rich historical heritage, noting that it was home to the powerful Magadha and Maurya empires and was also the birthplace of democracy in Vaishali over 2,500 years ago. He drew parallels with the Kudavolai system of elections in the Chola kingdom, emphasising India’s ancient commitment to self-governance.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called on the Vice-President and had a discussion with him on a wide range of subjects. “Called on Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan and had an insightful discussion with him on a wide range of subjects,” Modi posted on X.