Thu Nov 14 17:20:42 UTC 2024: ## Former Speaker VM Sudheeran Calls for Return to Nehruvian Values
**Thiruvananthapuram:** Former Kerala Assembly Speaker VM Sudheeran has urged India to return to the democratic and secular values envisioned by Jawaharlal Nehru. Addressing the Nehru Jayanti celebrations organized by the Nehru Centre, Sudheeran criticized the current central government’s approach of silencing dissenting voices without explanation. He highlighted the need for a return to the fundamental principles of democracy and secularism, which he deemed interconnected and vital for a functioning democracy.
In his presidential address, MM Hassan emphasized the invaluable contribution of Nehru to India, especially in establishing secularism as a cornerstone of the nation.
The celebrations included a speech competition for college students, with K.R. Privia and Anu Paul from Karyavattom campus claiming the first prize. VM Sudheeran presented the Nehru Trophy to the winners of the competition and the patriotic song competition, which was won by students from Carmel School.
The event highlighted the ongoing relevance of Nehru’s ideals in contemporary India and urged a return to the principles of democracy and secularism that he championed.
First Piper 