New Delhi: In the midst of Karnataka's boiling Hijab debate, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu remarked on Saturday that unneeded disputes should not be promoted and that students should be governed by the school uniform. "Unnecessary controversies, such as the one in Karnataka, should not be promoted," news agency PTI reported.


After inaugurating the indoor sports arena and L'atelier at a private school in Bengaluru, Naidu said, "In a school, you are all guided by the school uniform, whatever uniform it is."


Naidu also stated that people should be proud of their languages and promote them. He emphasised the importance of extracurricular activities in schools, saying that the new National Education Policy emphasises this component.


He also urged all state governments and educational institutions to prioritise sports and extracurricular activities, as well as the development of spiritual minds in youngsters. "Religion is not synonymous with spirituality. Religion is a personal option, but we should all follow our culture, tradition, and Dharma (responsibility) in our life," the Vice President explained to the crowd. According to Naidu, the erosion of values is wreaking havoc on the planet.


"We must restore values, preserve our heritage, promote our culture and feel proud to be an Indian. Be proud that you are a Bharatiya," the Vice President said. Stating that once upon a time, India was known as a 'Vishwa Guru,' Naidu said.


"India is on the move today and it is time to go back to our roots," he added. 


In his distinctive approach, Naidu informed the audience that India urgently needed discipline, dynamism, education, passion, and devotion.


"Education is a mission, not for commission. There should not be any omission. We should not give any remission and work for the promotion of the nation with a passion. This is what is required," he said.


The Vice President also urged educational institutions to prioritise study, athletics, co-curricular, and leisure activities equally.


He believes that such an approach will contribute to pupils' overall development and make them more self-assured.


He also encouraged educational institutions to get students involved in activities like gardening, tree planting, and water conservation.


This will bring youngsters closer to nature, he added, emphasising the need of water conservation by emphasising the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.


Naidu intended the Fit India campaign to reach every school, college, institution, panchayat, and hamlet, emphasising the need of physical fitness in daily activities.


The Vice President described art as infinite, saying that it gives expression to our imagination and speaks a global language with no bounds.


He listed Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Kuchipudi as some of the numerous ancient art forms that have been passed down from generation to generation when referring to India's distinct and diverse dance styles.


"India's art, music and drama are its greatest gifts to the world and it is the duty of each one of us to protect and promote our rich and diverse art forms," the vice president said.


Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Karnataka Minister Munirathna, and school officials were also present.


Six female students from a college in Udupi attended a news conference hosted by the CFI in the coastal town on January 1 to protest the college administrators' refusal to allow them to enter courses while wearing a hijab.


This was four days after they asked permission from the principal to wear a headscarf in class, which was not permitted. Previously, students wore headscarves to campus but entered the classroom after removing them, according to college principal Rudre Gowda.


"The institution did not have any rule on hijab-wearing since no one used to wear it to the classroom in the last 35 years. The students who came with the demand had the backing of outside forces," Gowda had said.


(With PTI Inputs)